THE Philippine National Police (PNP) announced the seizure of over P138 million worth of alleged smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes in separate operations conducted on warehouses in Cebu City on Thursday.
In a statement released on Friday, the PNP reported that police and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) operatives confiscated a total of 135,936 packs of various tobacco products.
“This accomplishment reflects our commitment to the PNP Focused Agenda, strengthened by Enhanced Managing Police Operations. The swift and well-coordinated collaboration of our units in Cebu is proof that we can combat smuggling and other illegal activities,” said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
According to the PNP, the confiscated cigarettes have been properly inventoried and are now under the custody of the BIR for proper disposition.
“This is not just about enforcement. It’s about safeguarding public health, ensuring fair trade, and showing that illegal activities will not go unchecked — every action has direction and results,” Nartatez added.
In a related operation on Thursday, authorities also raided an illegal cigarette factory in Tanza, Cavite, where they seized contraband worth approximately P200 million.
