The Philippine National Police (PNP) confiscated an estimated P2.6 billion worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes in separate operations in Batangas and Malabon on New Year’s Eve.

In Batangas City, PNP-Highway Patrol Group (HPG) operatives tracked a stolen red Hyundai Accent reported missing in Las Piñas City. During a site inspection in Sitio Singko, Balete, Batangas City, officers discovered several trucks and container vans loaded with smuggled cigarettes, valued at around P1.1 billion.

In Malabon City, HPG operatives arrested four individuals and seized roughly P1.5 billion worth of unregistered imported cigarettes. The operation followed a police pursuit of two motorcycle riders without helmets, who evaded authorities. The suspects were cornered inside a logistics facility along M.H. Del Pilar Avenue, where 18 containers of undocumented cigarettes were found.

The PNP has launched investigations to determine whether the Batangas and Malabon cases are connected and is pursuing legal action against all those involved.