The Philippine National Police (PNP) seized 5,361 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth Php 3.5 million and arrested a delivery truck driver in separate operations in Zamboanga City, Bukidnon, and Lanao del Sur on November 9 and 10.
The PNP said the operations were conducted by its Maritime Group through Regional Maritime Units 9, 10, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
In Quezon, Bukidnon, police recovered suspicious cigarette shipments from a courier company’s warehouse in Barangay Poblacion following information provided by the firm’s area manager.
In Zamboanga City, authorities arrested a delivery truck driver after discovering cigarettes without the required graphic health warnings inside his vehicle.
Police said the shipment may have violated Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, which requires tobacco products to carry prescribed health warnings.
Meanwhile, cigarettes confiscated in Lanao del Sur were being investigated for possible violations of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The seized products underwent inventory and documentation and remained under police custody pending their formal turnover to the Bureau of Customs for appropriate action.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities would sustain operations against cigarette smuggling, citing its impact on government revenues and legitimate businesses.
“Smuggling is not merely an economic offense; it undermines legitimate trade and deprives the government of resources intended for public services,” Nartatez said.
He stressed that confiscating illegal products was not enough and that investigators must identify those behind the illicit trade.
“Hindi sapat na makumpiska lamang ang mga ilegal na produkto. Mahalaga ring matukoy ang mga nasa likod ng kalakalan at mapanagot sila sa ilalim ng batas,” he added.
Nartatez also directed police units to strengthen case preparation to ensure that those responsible could be prosecuted through proper legal procedures.
The PNP said the operations formed part of its Enhanced Managing Police Operations program, which aims to strengthen enforcement against smuggling and other illegal trade activities.
Authorities have yet to disclose the identity of the arrested driver and whether additional suspects have been identified.
