The Philippine National Police (PNP), through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Laguna Provincial Field Unit, reported a major breakthrough in its campaign against smuggling and illicit trade following the seizure of an estimated P12 million worth of illegal cigarettes and vape products in Silang, Cavite.

According to the report, the operation was conducted from the late evening of 25 November to the early morning of 26 November in Brgy. Hukay Kanluran and resulted in the arrest of four individuals caught selling illicit cigarettes and operating an unauthorized vape manufacturing setup.

CIDG operatives, assisted by a tobacco industry representative, carried out a buy-bust operation confirming the suspects’ involvement in illegal cigarette trading. The clearing operation later uncovered an unlicensed production area for vape liquid and components.

A total of 200 pieces of evidence were confiscated, including thousands of illicit cigarette reams, vape cartridges, filling machines, sealing equipment, molds, tools, and gallons of vape juice. The seized items amount to ₱5,040,000 worth of illicit cigarettes and ₱6,960,000 worth of unregulated vape products. The suspects failed to present any License to Operate or documentation authorizing the manufacture or sale of such items.

All arrested individuals are under CIDG custody for documentation and filing of charges for violations of RA 8293, RA 10643, and RA 7394.

Acting PNP Chief PLTGEN Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the operation, underscoring the police force’s firm stance against smuggling operations that threaten public safety and legitimate businesses.

“Smuggling operations hurt our communities and endanger consumers. Hindi natin puwedeng palampasin ang ganitong klaseng ilegal na negosyo. Our operatives will continue to go after groups who think they can profit by violating the law,” Nartatez said.

He stressed that dismantling illicit networks producing and distributing counterfeit or unregulated consumer goods remains a priority. “If it’s illegal, we will find you and hold you accountable. The protection of consumers and the integrity of lawful trade will always be a PNP priority,” Nartatez added.

PNP Spokesperson and PIO Chief PBGEN Randulf T. Tuaño highlighted the importance of community participation in the success of the operation.

“This is a solid example of what coordinated action can do. The community partnership with industry representatives is a big help. We encourage the public to continue reporting suspicious activities,” Tuaño said.