The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Monday that authorities uncovered large-scale illegal cigarette manufacturing and repacking operations in Pampanga during a series of coordinated inspections.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. joined Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla in inspecting multiple warehouses located in San Fernando, Mexico, and San Simon. The inspections were conducted with local government units and partner agencies, including the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Authorities seized cigarette-making and repacking machines, tobacco drying and processing equipment, raw materials, suspected counterfeit tax stamps, and large quantities of finished cigarette products during the operations.
Police said the inspections were carried out simultaneously and involved multiple agencies working together to trace the source, movement, and processing of tobacco products. Officials noted that permits, transport routes, and surveillance records were checked to determine whether the items passed through legal channels.
The operations began on February 11 when units led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group served a search warrant at a warehouse in Barangay Panipuan, San Fernando. Items seized from the site were estimated to be worth about Php 147 million.
Follow-up inspections on February 12 in Barangay San Jose Malino, Mexico, Pampanga led to the discovery of additional raw materials intended for illegal cigarette production, valued at approximately Php 115 million.
On February 13, authorities implemented a Bureau of Customs letter of authority at a warehouse in San Simon, resulting in the seizure of processing machines and sacks of tobacco with an estimated value of Php 160 million.
Police said the operations highlighted strong coordination among national agencies and local governments, adding that illegal tobacco production violates tax laws, harms legitimate businesses, and poses risks to public health. Investigations are ongoing to identify and hold those responsible accountable.