Massive P170.3 Million Smuggled Cigarette Haul Confiscated in Central Visayas Police Operations
Authorities in Central Visayas have made a significant breakthrough in combating illegal trade, with the Police Regional Office (PRO 7) announcing the seizure of smuggled cigarettes valued at over P170.3 million since the start of 2026. This major enforcement action underscores a rigorous crackdown on contraband products infiltrating the region.
Detailed Seizure Figures Reveal Scale of Illegal Activity
According to official data released by PRO 7, law enforcement personnel have successfully confiscated a total of 138,516 individual packs alongside 3,231 reams of cigarettes. These substantial quantities were intercepted through a combination of sustained intelligence monitoring and highly coordinated operations spanning multiple jurisdictions.
The targeted initiatives focused specifically on disrupting the entire supply chain of smuggled cigarette products, including their transportation, storage facilities, and distribution networks operating across Central Visayas.
Police Leadership Emphasizes Commitment to Lawful Order
Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, serving as the director of PRO 7, articulated that this aggressive campaign against cigarette smuggling aligns directly with their unwavering commitment to execute the directive issued by Jonvic Remulla, Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Secretary Remulla has mandated a comprehensive crackdown on the manufacture, sale, and distribution of illegal cigarettes nationwide.
"Each operation we undertake against these illicit cigarettes forms a crucial part of our duty to uphold the integrity of our legal statutes and safeguard the welfare of our communities," General Maranan stated. "We are fully aligned with Secretary Remulla's directive to eradicate the manufacture, sale, and distribution of these unlawful products. This endeavor transcends merely halting smuggling activities; it is fundamentally about preventing criminal syndicates from exploiting our communities and ensuring that legitimate businesses receive the protection they deserve."
Sustained Efforts and Public Cooperation Encouraged
General Maranan further assured residents that the Central Visayas police force will persist in intensifying both intelligence surveillance and law enforcement actions. These efforts will be conducted in close coordination with partner agencies and local government units to maintain the momentum of the anti-smuggling campaign throughout the region.
In a call to action, PRO 7 has also urged the general public to actively assist authorities by reporting any pertinent information related to the manufacture, storage, transport, or sale of illegal cigarettes. Such community involvement is deemed vital to effectively curbing these illicit activities and reinforcing the rule of law.
