Authorities seized more than ₱82.7 million worth of suspected illegal cigarettes during a joint enforcement operation at a hotel in Cauayan City, Isabela, on 25 June.

The operation, carried out at TD Hotel in Barangay District 1, was conducted by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Cauayan City Police Station, and other government agencies based on a BIR Mission Order.

Police said the operation stemmed from information received by the Cauayan City Police Station regarding the alleged sale and distribution of suspected smuggled cigarettes involving several Chinese nationals.

During the inspection of two hotel rooms, authorities recovered 202 boxes containing various cigarette brands with an estimated value of ₱82,713,366.52.

Present during the operation were the hotel's owner, identified only as alias "Willy," along with two Chinese nationals identified by the aliases "Michael" and "Lisa."

Following the inventory and documentation of the seized items, the cigarettes were turned over to the BIR Regional Office 2 for safekeeping, proper disposition, and the filing of appropriate charges.

Police Regional Office 2 Director PBGen Mariano C. Rodriguez reiterated the PNP's commitment to intensifying its campaign against the illegal tobacco trade.

“The continued importation of illegal cigarettes will not go unchecked. These products not only harm the country’s economy but also pose risks to the health of our people. We will continue to strengthen our campaign against all forms of criminality,” Rodriguez said.