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Police recover P1-B smuggled cigarettes in Batangas City

Philippines | Luzon

Police recover P1-B smuggled cigarettes in Batangas City

By Danny Estacio

POLICE recovered suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at P1 billion in Batangas City before 2025 ended. (PNP)

POLICE recovered suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at P1 billion in Batangas City before 2025 ended. (PNP)

BATANGAS CITY – Police discovered P1-billion worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes loaded in 14 40-foot container vans in Sitio Singko, Barangay Balete, this city, on Wednesday morning.

Lawmen recovered the contraband after tracking a stolen red Hyundai Accent with license plates NGN-6169 through Global Positioning System (GPS) parked unattended in the area.

Philippine National Police chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melecio Nartatez Jr. and the Bureau of Customs, with barangay officials, conducted an inspection and noticed several unattended trailer trucks and container vans.

These were opened and China-made cigarettes with the brand name “Lopato” were discovered.

Police are determining the origin of the shipment. The BOC is conducting an investigation to find out the port of origin and determine if these are smuggled.

The PNP said in a statement that the operation demonstrates their ongoing commitment to protecting property, investigating criminal activities beyond initial reports, and maintaining public safety through disciplined and intelligence-driven police action.

Nartatez commended operating units for their vigilance and professionalism.

“This operation shows how focused police action, even from a single report, can lead to discoveries with broader implications for public safety,” Nartatez said.

Related Tags

Smuggled cigarettes Batangas City

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