Authorities seized ₱1.5 billion worth of unregistered imported tobacco products in Malabon, described by the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine National Police (PNP) as smuggled cigarettes.

The haul followed routine patrols, information sharing, and coordination between agencies.

Conducted during a New Year’s Eve operation and presented at a 1 January press briefing, authorities found the smuggled cigarettes inside a cargo facility and arrested three individuals who could not present proper documentation.

During the briefing, Acting PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. explained how information was followed up, patrol units remained vigilant, and coordination between police units and partner agencies contributed to the seizure.

Senior officials from the Highway Patrol Group, the Northern Police District, and the Bureau of Customs Enforcement Group said the seizure was a joint effort directed from the top.

Police are now investigating whether the Malabon haul is linked to another large seizure of suspected smuggled cigarettes in Batangas City, raising the possibility of a wider smuggling network operating across regions.

Acting PNP Chief Nartatez has directed units to determine if the Malabon and Batangas cases are connected.

The approach marks a shift from treating cases individually to targeting larger groups behind repeated smuggling operations.

By widening the investigation, authorities aim to strengthen cases, improve follow-up actions, and close gaps that smuggling groups exploit by spreading activities across different locations.

“The Malabon operation sent a clear message that smuggling activities will be pursued and that missing or fake documents will not be ignored. More importantly, it showed what enforcement looks like when leadership, information, and field units are working in step,” Nartatez said.