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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider PNP orders probe into seized P1.1-B 'smuggled' cigarettes

PNP orders probe into seized P1.1-B 'smuggled' cigarettes

Published Jan 1, 2026 12:42 pm  |  Updated Jan 1, 2026 05:11 pm
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting PNP chief, leads an inspection of allegedly smuggled cigarettes discovered during an anti-carnapping operation in Batangas City on Dec. 31, 2025. The seized products have an estimated value of P1.1 billion, according to authorities. (Photo: PNP)
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting PNP chief, leads an inspection of allegedly smuggled cigarettes discovered during an anti-carnapping operation in Batangas City on Dec. 31, 2025. The seized products have an estimated value of P1.1 billion, according to authorities. (Photo: PNP)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday, January. 1, directed a full investigation into the alleged smuggling of around P1.1 billion worth of cigarettes that were discovered in Batangas City during an anti-carnapping operation.
The operation stemmed from the discovery by the Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) of a red Hyundai Accent bearing plate number NGN 6169 in Sitio Singko, Balete, Batangas City on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31. The vehicle was reported stolen a week ago in Las Piñas City and traced via Global Positioning System (GPS) technology around 11:20 a.m. on Wednesday.
While personnel of the HPG were inspecting the area, police noticed several trucks and a container van “parked in an abandoned condition” beside the carnapped vehicle.
The PNP said that as part of due diligence, inquiries were made regarding the unattended vehicles. One container van was already opened and when the police made a visual inspection, they found it to be loaded with tobacco products with an estimated total value of P1.1B.
The police believe that the cigarettes were smuggled but have yet to determine the origin of the products. Police said the cigarettes were made in China with the brand name “Marshal.”
(Photo: Philippine National Police)
(Photo: Philippine National Police)
No suspects were arrested during the operation but the PNP said a follow-up investigation is ongoing to identify those behind the shipment in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
“This case does not end in the confiscation of these smuggled cigarettes. I have already ordered a thorough investigation to identify and build strong cases against those responsible,” Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting chief of the PNP, said during his inspection of the seized goods in Batangas City.
He added that the operation sends a clear signal of the PNP’s posture as it heads into 2026, that tougher action awaits those who continue to violate the law.
“These smugglers are robbing the Filipino people of tax revenues. Their activities have a serious economic impact and must be stopped,” Nartatez said.
He added that the large volume of seized tobacco products suggests wider criminal links. He said the PNP will pursue those responsible and will not allow the case to be buried.
Read: War vs smugglers declared as PNP foils delivery of P143M 'hot' cigarettes
Last Dec. 19, the national government launched an intensified crackdown on cigarette smuggling after police seized about P143 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes in a joint operation by the PNP and Customs.
The operation, led by the PNP-HPG, began when two trailer trucks carrying the cigarettes from Bauan, Batangas to Valenzuela City were intercepted during an anti-carnapping and traffic operation in Quezon City on Dec. 17. Three truck drivers were initially taken into custody.
During case processing, three truck owners allegedly offered P5 million in bribe money to police operatives. Officers rejected the offer and conducted a sting operation, which led to the arrest of the truck owners and the seizure of the cash. A total of six suspects were arrested and are facing criminal charges.

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PNP smuggling cigarettes Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. Batangas City
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