The Philippine National Police (PNP) has confiscated nearly P240 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in the past two months as part of its intensified campaign against smuggling and economic sabotage.

Between 26 August and 16 October, police units across the country launched 335 anti-smuggling operations, 311 of which specifically targeted the illegal cigarette trade. The crackdown led to the arrest of 267 suspects and the seizure of contraband cigarettes valued at P239,639,651.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the nationwide effort was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect the economy by stamping out smuggling and other illicit trade.

Managing Police Operations (EMPO) framework, which prioritizes the protection of communities and the dismantling of organized crime groups.

The biggest haul came from the Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas), which seized P58.9 million worth of illicit cigarettes. This was followed by PRO 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) with P56.2 million, and PRO 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) with P47.7 million in contraband tobacco products.

Nartatez lauded the operating units for their “dedicated and coordinated” work, saying the crackdown sends a strong message to smugglers and criminal networks.

“Smuggling is more than a crime. It is a betrayal of the honest Filipino worker and business owner,” Nartatez said. “Every pack of illicit cigarettes seized means revenue saved for our government and opportunities restored for our people.”