Customs authorities across Asia have intensified their anti-smuggling efforts, resulting in significant seizures of illicit cigarettes. In Hong Kong, customs arrested three men and confiscated HK$33 million (US$4.2 million) worth of untaxed cigarettes hidden in a tugboat arriving from mainland China. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, over P11 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were discovered during a routine foot patrol in Lanao del Norte. Additionally, Indian customs officials seized nearly 57 lakh sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes valued at Rs 11.40 crore, concealed within a shipment falsely declared as gypsum plaster board from Dubai. These operations highlight the ongoing challenges of cigarette smuggling in the region and the vigilance of law enforcement agencies in combating these illegal activities.