The Philippine National Police (PNP) has confiscated more than ₱2 billion worth of smuggled cigarettes from January 1 to March 29 as part of intensified anti-smuggling operations across the country.
According to the PNP, a total of 3,153 operations were conducted nationwide during the period, leading to the arrest of 1,187 individuals suspected of involvement in illegal cigarette trade and related activities.
Among the seized contraband were 246,085 packs and 484,064 reams of cigarettes, 9,961 master cases, as well as cigarette-making equipment believed to have been used in illegal production.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) led the crackdown with the largest haul, amounting to over ₱690 million.
This was followed by the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga City (PRO-9) with ₱147 million, and the Police Regional Office-Calabarzon (PRO-4A) with ₱116 million worth of confiscated goods.