PNP: 15 suspects nabbed, ₱91M in illegal cigarettes seized in raids

Fifteen individuals, including three Chinese nationals, were arrested and over P91 million worth of smuggled and illegal cigarettes were seized in a series of operations last week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement on Monday, the PNP said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group carried out several raids from February 5 to 7.

The first operation was on February 5 when the CIDG Regional Field Unit 9 – Special Operating Team confiscated 56 master cases of alleged smuggled cigarettes worth P2.968 million in Indanan, Sulu.

On the same day, CIDG units in Laguna, Camarines Norte, and Pampanga also recovered P980,000 in alleged illicit cigarettes and arrested four suspects.

The largest haul was on February 6 after CIDG operatives raided a warehouse in Marilao, Bulacan and seized 1,286 master cases of assorted alleged illicit cigarettes valued at P80 million. Two Chinese nationals were arrested during the operation.

Also on the same day, CIDG units in Davao, Agusan, Pampanga, and Palawan confiscated P7.1 million worth of alleged illegal cigarettes and nabbed eight individuals, including a Chinese national.

On February 7, CIDG teams in Cagayan de Oro and Davao de Oro seized an additional P368,250 in alleged illegal cigarettes and arrested one suspect.

The PNP said the seized cigarettes were allegedly non-compliant with government regulations, such as the absence of required graphic health warnings.

Some allegedly violated laws on customs regulations, trade registration requirements, and documentary stamp compliance.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stressed that the illegal cigarette trade is a blow to the country’s economy and the welfare of ordinary Filipinos.

“Hindi ito simpleng bentahan lang ng ilegal na sigarilyo. This is economic sabotage. Kapag pinayagan natin ito, ang talo dito ay ang taumbayan – nawawalan ng kita ang gobyerno, nasasagasaan ang lehitimong negosyo, at lumalakas ang kriminalidad,” Nartatez said.

(It’s not just about selling illegal cigarettes. This is economic sabotage. If we let this continue, the people are on the losing end – the government loses revenues, legitimate businesses are affected, and criminality thrives.)

He warned syndicates and smugglers that the PNP will continue to tighten its enforcement efforts against criminal groups profiting from illegal trade.

“Tuloy-tuloy ito. Hindi kami titigil (This will continue. We will not stop). We will hunt down those who exploit our laws and steal from our people. The PNP will ensure that justice catches up,” Nartatez added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News