The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intercepted approximately P5.3 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested three individuals in separate operations conducted in Northern Mindanao and Sulu, as part of its intensified campaign against illegal trade.
The series of operations, carried out from June 22 to 23, 2026, targeted the transport and distribution of undocumented cigarette products moving through land checkpoints and coastal routes.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the seizures reflect the agency’s continued drive to curb smuggling and protect government revenue, stressing that enforcement efforts will remain aggressive nationwide.
“We will continue to strengthen enforcement measures against smuggling and other illegal trade activities,” Nartatez said.
In Iligan City, Lanao del Norte on June 23, joint operatives from multiple police intelligence and special operations units intercepted a delivery truck at a border checkpoint after it allegedly evaded inspection procedures.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered boxes of cigarettes concealed among agricultural goods. Two men, aged 49 and 45, both residents of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, were arrested.
Police said the haul consisted of 30 master cases of assorted cigarette brands containing 1,500 reams, with an estimated value of P1.2 million, along with the vehicle used in the transport.
In a separate operation in Kalilangan, Bukidnon also on June 23, a checkpoint inspection led to the arrest of a 32-year-old driver after authorities found undocumented cigarette shipments inside a sedan. The confiscated goods were valued at around P240,000.
Meanwhile, in Parang, Sulu on June 22, personnel from Police Regional Office 9 recovered a larger shipment worth approximately P3.937 million during a coastal patrol operation.
Authorities said the cigarettes were found inside an abandoned motorized watercraft locally known as a “jungkong,” which was discovered unattended along the shoreline. The vessel and 101 boxes of assorted cigarettes were taken to the Parang Municipal Police Station for safekeeping.
All seized items and vehicles have been placed under proper documentation and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for further investigation and disposition.
Nartatez reiterated that smuggling remains a priority concern, warning that those involved in illegal trade will face accountability under the law.
“Hindi kami titigil sa pagpigil sa smuggling at sa paggamit ng ating mga kalsada at baybayin para sa ilegal na kalakalan. Lahat ng lalabag sa batas ay mananagot,” he said.
The PNP said the operations are part of its broader enforcement strategy against economic sabotage and align with the administration’s directive to strengthen border security and anti-smuggling efforts nationwide.