MANILA, Philippines — Authorities confiscated an estimated ₱382 million worth of illicit cigarette-related materials during an enforcement operation conducted on March 5, 2026, in Apalit, Pampanga, as part of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal tobacco operations.

The operation was carried out by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) through the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and the Port of Limay, in coordination with several law enforcement agencies.

Acting on a derogatory report regarding suspected illicit tobacco activities, a joint enforcement team proceeded to a warehouse located in Barangay Balucuc, Apalit, to verify the information.

The team was composed of personnel from CIIS–Limay, the BOC Enforcement and Security Service (ESS–Limay), and units of the Philippine National Police, including the Pampanga Provincial Police Office, Apalit Municipal Police Station, and the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) of Police Regional Office 3.

Representatives from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)—particularly the National Investigation Division (NID) and the Excise Tax Large Taxpayers Service (LTS)—also participated in the operation. Officials from Barangay Balucuc and the Pampanga Provincial Police were present during the inspection.

Inside the warehouse, authorities discovered BIR tax stamps bearing identical serial numbers, large quantities of cigarette packaging materials, and tipping paper rolls used in cigarette production.

The materials were associated with several cigarette brands, including Chesterfield, Camel, Mighty, Fortune, Carnival, Fort, Commando, Thunder, H&P, King, and Cannon Menthol, among others.

The total estimated value of the confiscated items was placed at ₱382 million.

The enforcement team secured the warehouse while authorities continue conducting inventory and further investigation to determine the individuals and groups involved in the operation.

Port of Limay District Collector Blesilda N. Balagtas said the port remains committed to supporting the Bureau’s intensified campaign against illicit tobacco.

Balagtas emphasized that the Port of Limay will continue strengthening monitoring and enforcement efforts to prevent illegal cigarette activities within its jurisdiction.

The seizure forms part of the Bureau of Customs’ broader enforcement drive under Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify operations against smuggling and illicit tobacco manufacturing.

BOC records show that from January to February 2026, the agency recorded 110 successful seizures nationwide, amounting to more than ₱1.948 billion worth of illicit cigarettes and tobacco products.

During the same period in 2025, the Bureau reported only 21 seizures valued at ₱75.517 million, reflecting a significant increase in enforcement results.

Customs officials said continued inter-agency coordination and intelligence-driven operations remain key to dismantling smuggling networks and protecting government revenues from illicit tobacco trade.

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