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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider 5 arrested, ₱2-M fake cigarettes, contraband seized in Bulacan

5 arrested, ₱2-M fake cigarettes, contraband seized in Bulacan

Published Mar 27, 2026 11:08 am
Five persons were arrested and nearly P2 million worth of fake cigarettes and smuggled goods were seized by the authorities during a joint operation on Thursday, March 26, in Barangay San Jose, Plaridel, Bulacan.
The arrested suspects and the fake cigarettes and contraband goods seized in Plaridel, Bulacan. (Photo from Bulacan PPO)
The arrested suspects and the fake cigarettes and contraband goods seized in Plaridel, Bulacan. (Photo from Bulacan PPO)
The Plaridel police, the Provincial Intelligence Bureau in Bulacan, and Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation, received information on the illegal storage of untaxed cigarettes in the said village.
Onsite validation confirmed counterfeit Marlboro products and other brands, along with assorted consumer goods, all lacking proper tax and regulatory compliance with a total amount of P1,903,580.
PRO3 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez said the operation aligns with the anti-smuggling directive of Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla Jr. and Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
“Hindi po natin papayagan na magamit ang ating rehiyon bilang imbakan o daluyan ng smuggled at pekeng produkto. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating operasyon—legal, koordinado, at may malasakit sa mamamayan dahil ang ating Pulis Central Luzon—serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman,” ("We will not allow our region to be used as a repository or conduit for smuggled and fake products. We will continue to intensify our operation—legal, coordinated, and for the benefit of our people because our Central Luzon Police delivers service that is fast, honest, and sensitive)," Mendez said.
The PRO3 urged the public to report similar illegal activities as operations against illicit trade continue. 

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