P160-M illicit cigarettes, vape products seized

Law enforcement authorities confiscated approximately P160 million worth of undocumented cigarettes and unregistered vape products and arrested a Chinese national during a two-day crackdown on illicit trade in Barangay Potrero, Malabon City.

Joint operatives from the Special Operations Team of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 4A, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Malabon City Police Station apprehended the suspect, identified only by the alias “Ching,” while he was allegedly selling and distributing undocumented cigarettes bearing a registered commercial brand without the mandatory graphic health warnings required by law.

During the initial raid, authorities seized roughly 1,120 master cases of cigarettes valued at P78 million, which were allegedly being distributed without authorization from the brand owner. Two trucks believed to have been used to transport the contraband were also impounded.

Follow-up enforcement operations led to the discovery of an additional 635 boxes of vape products worth P82 million.

Verification by the DTI confirmed that the vaping items were unregistered, rendering their storage, sale and distribution unlawful.

In total, operatives recovered 1,755 cases and boxes of illicit tobacco and vape products with a combined estimated value of P160 million.

Police cited that the operation targets illegal distribution networks that undermine legitimate enterprises, deprive the government of tax revenues, and expose consumers to unregulated goods.

The enforcement action was carried out under Republic Act 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which penalizes large-scale smuggling and unlawful trade involving agricultural commodities including tobacco, alongside Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.

Philippine National Police Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stressed that police operations must dismantle not only retail sellers of illicit goods but also the broader supply networks bringing contraband into the market.

“Consumers must be protected against products that do not comply with legal standards. Their health should not be put at risk because of illegal trade,” Nartatez said.