Authorities confiscated more than P21.7 million worth of alleged smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes in separate operations in General Santos City and Tarlac City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday.
The operations formed part of the government’s intensified anti-smuggling campaign targeting illicit tobacco products and other illegal trade activities.
In General Santos City, operatives from Police Station 6 of the General Santos City Police Office carried out an anti-smuggling operation at the public market in Barangay Dadiangas South.
The raid resulted in the arrest of two individuals, including a minor identified only by the alias “Wako,” and the confiscation of 210 packs of suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at around P19.4 million.
The seized items were later turned over to the Bureau of Customs in General Santos City for proper disposition and further investigation.
Meanwhile, authorities in Tarlac City recovered counterfeit tobacco products following a vehicular incident along MacArthur Highway in Barangay Sepung Calzada.
Police said responding personnel discovered 45 boxes of cigarettes allegedly lacking the required tax stamps issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue during a post-collision inspection.
The confiscated cigarettes were estimated to be worth P2.2 million and were voluntarily surrendered to authorities before being brought to the Tarlac City Police Station for documentation and handling.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for the successful operations and emphasized the importance of continued coordination among law enforcement agencies in combating smuggling and protecting legitimate businesses.
“Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating kampanya laban sa smuggling at iba pang ilegal na gawain na nakaaapekto sa kabuhayan ng ating mga mamamayan at sa koleksyon ng pamahalaan,” Nartatez said.
He added that the operations form part of broader efforts to maintain order, support lawful enterprises, and strengthen the country’s economy through sustained enforcement operations.