BOC seizes over P200 million in cigarettes, machinery in Pampanga

More than P200 million worth of tobacco products, cigarette-making machines, and raw materials were seized during a series of coordinated enforcement operations against illicit tobacco manufacturing in Pampanga.

Armed with a letter of authority, two consecutive operations were conducted on 13–14 February 2026, led by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and the Enforcement and Security Service–Port of Limay, in coordination with the Philippine National Police, local government authorities, and other partner enforcement agencies.

At the first warehouse in Mexico, Pampanga, customs agents discovered approximately P160 million worth of dried tobacco leaves, recycled cigarettes, cigarette filters bearing the brand markings “Chungwa” and “Fort,” and other manufacturing materials.

At the second warehouse in San Simon, Pampanga, Bureau of Customs operatives seized raw and processed tobacco materials branded “Modern,” tobacco manufacturing machinery, packaging materials, and related equipment valued at around P115 million, bringing the total estimated value of confiscated items to P275 million.

A separate operation on 11 February, led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) at a warehouse in San Fernando, Pampanga, resulted in the confiscation of several cigarette packing components, boxes of “Playboy” cigarettes, and other manufacturing paraphernalia believed to be linked to the same network.