The Philippine National Police (PNP) seized more than P157 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and heated tobacco products in separate anti-smuggling operations in Zamboanga del Sur and Pampanga.
In Barangay Panduma, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur, police recovered 49 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at approximately P7.73 million.
The confiscated items consisted of 47 master cases of Fort cigarettes worth about P7.41 million and two master cases of Berlin cigarettes valued at around P315,657.
A 52-year-old Filipino was placed under police custody in connection with the operation, while the seized products were turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper disposition.
In Bacolor, Pampanga, authorities recovered large quantities of suspected smuggled cigarettes and heated tobacco products from a warehouse facility during separate police operations.
Police seized 636 master cases and 42,549 reams of suspected smuggled cigarettes and heated tobacco products with an estimated value of P140 million.
The items included various products bearing expired tax stamps and graphic health warning markings, as well as unlabeled tobacco products.
A follow-up operation in the same area led to the recovery of additional tobacco products valued at approximately P10 million.
The confiscated cigarettes and heated tobacco products, which raised concerns involving tax compliance and required markings, were secured and turned over to the appropriate authorities for proper disposition and further action.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stressed the importance of sustained cooperation among law enforcement agencies in combating smuggling and other illegal activities.
The PNP chief also urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report suspected illegal activities to authorities through proper channels.