By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

SEIZED. Police officers account for the smuggled cigarettes seized at a checkpoint in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato on Sept. 4, 2025. The contraband (inset), valued at PHP15 million, was hidden underneath sacks of charcoal aboard two 10-wheeler trucks bound for Davao Region. (Photo courtesy of Den Banudan)

MANILA – Authorities seized PHP240 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested 267 suspects from Aug. 26 to Oct. 16 , the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement Sunday, the PNP said it carried out 335 anti-smuggling operations nationwide, 311 of which specifically targeted smuggled cigarettes.

The Police Regional Office (PRO)-Western Visayad led with cigarette seizures worth PHP58.9 million, followed closely by PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula with PHP56.2 million and PRO-Soccsksargen with PHP47.7 million.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. lauded the dedication of the operating units, describing the accomplishment as “a clear message that the PNP stands firm in defending the nation’s economic integrity.”

“Smuggling is more than a crime. It is a betrayal of the honest Filipino worker and business owner. Every pack of illicit cigarettes seized means revenue saved for our government and opportunities restored for our people,” he said.

Nartatez said the PNP also continued to advance its Focus Agenda.

From Aug. 26 to Oct. 17, the Directorate for Police Community Relations conducted 217,065 engagement activities nationwide to strengthen police-community relations and promote public trust. (PNA)