Over P100-M worth of smuggled cigarettes seized in Bulacan, Davao del Sur

The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Saturday that it has confiscated more than P100 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in separate operations in Bulacan and Davao del Sur, sending a clear warning to smugglers across the country.

In Bulacan, joint operatives from the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Bataan Provincial Field Unit and the Marilao Municipal Police Station under the Bulacan Police Provincial Office conducted a carefully planned entrapment operation at an industrial warehouse.

Authorities seized more than 1,300 master cases of illicit cigarettes, along with a trailer truck and two vans used to transport the contraband.

The seized items were estimated to be worth P80 million. Two Chinese nationals were arrested during the operation.

Meanwhile, in Davao del Sur, PNP units—including the Digos City Police Station and regional enforcement teams—carried out an anti-smuggling raid in Barangay Dawis, Digos City. The operation resulted in the confiscation of around 440 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes without graphic health warnings, valued at approximately P22 million.

Two Filipino suspects were arrested and remain in police custody. The confiscated items have been turned over to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for proper disposition.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. underscored the seriousness of the offense.

“Ang smuggling ay hindi simpleng paglabag sa batas. Nakakasama ito sa ekonomiya, sa mga lehitimong negosyo, at panganib sa kalusugan ng publiko. Kaya hindi natin ito pinapalampas,” Nartatez said.

“These operations prove that the PNP is serious in stopping illegal trade. Hindi kami titigil hanggang sa mahuli lahat ng sangkot sa smuggling at managot sila sa batas,” he added.