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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Cops seize P8 M 'smuggled' cigarettes, 2 foreigners arrested

Cops seize P8 M 'smuggled' cigarettes, 2 foreigners arrested

Published Jan 22, 2026 11:17 am
Policemen inspect the boxes containing cigarettes believed to have been smuggled into the country during an operation in Pangasinan on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, Two Chinese were arrested. (photo: PNP)
Policemen inspect the boxes containing cigarettes believed to have been smuggled into the country during an operation in Pangasinan on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, Two Chinese were arrested. (photo: PNP)
Police seized around P8 million worth of cigarettes believed to have been smuggled into the country following the arrest of two foreigners in an operation in Labrador, Pangasinan on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the cigarettes were loaded in a a closed van which was flagged down for inspection in a checkpoint in Barangay Poblacion.
During the inspection, police found 101 boxes of assorted cigarettes, which were later confirmed to be allegedly smuggled and lacking proper documentation.
The confiscated cigarettes totaled 5,050 reams, with an estimated market value of ₱8.05 million.
Nartatez said the two Chinese nationals on board the vehicle were immediately taken into custody and are now facing appropriate charges while the seized items have been secured and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for case build-up and proper disposition.
Nartatez explained that the arrest showed how everyday police visibility can lead to meaningful results.
He stressed that smuggling undermines lawful businesses and deprives the government of revenues meant for public services.
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