Almost P5 billion worth of smuggled and counterfeit goods were seized while more than 2,200 people were arrested in various anti-smuggling operations conducted last year, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said smuggled cigarettes accounted for almost all of the confiscation with P4.3 billion, the most recent was the P1.1 billion worth of tobacco products seized in Batangas City on Dec. 31.

The seized agricultural products were valued at P321 million, petroleum products at more than ₱8 million and other counterfeit goods estimated at more than ₱167 million.

“This is part of the PNP’s efforts to protect the national economy, safeguard legitimate businesses, and stop illicit trade that deprives the government of much-needed revenues,” said Nartatez.

Based on the PNP data more than half of the accomplishments were recorded in the latter part of the year.

From Aug. 26 to Dec. 31, the PNP carried out 1,098 operations, accounting for 52 percent of the total, which led to 976 arrests and the seizure of goods valued at around ₱2.5 billion.

“We assure the public that these gains are only the beginning, as the organization prepares to further intensify anti-smuggling operations in 2026, with stronger inter-agency collaboration, expanded intelligence sharing, and more aggressive field enforcement,” said Nartatez.