In a major crackdown on illicit trade, authorities have seized an estimated P1.1 billion worth of counterfeit cigarettes during a raid conducted by the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 at a factory in Lapu-Lapu City on Friday, April 10, 2026. The operation resulted in the arrest of four Chinese nationals who are suspected of operating the illegal cigarette manufacturing facility. The suspects are currently under the custody of PRO 7 and are being prepared for the filing of appropriate charges, marking a significant blow to underground activities in the region.
Discovery of Illegal Warehouse Operations
Police personnel executed a search warrant issued by the court at a warehouse located in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City. During the raid, they uncovered thousands of boxes of cigarettes that are believed to bear falsified tax stamps, alongside cigarette-making machines and raw materials used in production. This discovery highlights the sophisticated nature of the illegal operation, which was designed to evade government regulations and taxes on a massive scale.
Nationwide Campaign Against Tax Evasion
Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), emphasized that this operation is part of an intensified nationwide campaign targeting illegal manufacturing activities that circumvent government taxes. He stated, "We will not let an operation of this scale go unchecked. This is clearly an act of deception not only against the government but also against the public. We will go after those who think they can hide behind warehouses and illegal schemes." Nartatez's remarks underscore the PNP's commitment to enforcing laws and protecting public interests from fraudulent practices.
Public Vigilance and Ongoing Efforts
Nartatez also called for public vigilance, urging citizens and business owners to refrain from supporting illegal activities and to assist authorities by reporting suspicious operations. He noted that the police will continue their operations against counterfeit and illegal goods as a key component of the PNP's Focused Agenda, particularly under the Enhanced Managing Police Operations initiative. This ongoing effort aims to dismantle networks involved in illicit trade and ensure compliance with tax laws across the country.
