Customs Authorities Uncover Major Illegal Cigarette Operation in Pampanga Warehouse
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) executed a significant enforcement operation on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, targeting an alleged illicit cigarette manufacturing firm located in Mexico, Pampanga. According to official statements, the company was actively engaged in the unauthorized production of cigarettes without proper permits or regulatory authority.
Coordinated Raid at Panipuan Warehouse
Acting on a derogatory report, authorities descended upon a warehouse situated at Lot 2645 in Barangay Panipuan. The operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies:
- Personnel from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) of the Manila International Container Port
- Members of the Enforcement and Security Service
- The Philippine Coast Guard
- The Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group
- Other law enforcement groups
The BOC emphasized that proper coordination was established with local barangay officials prior to conducting the raid, ensuring procedural compliance.
Discovery of Manufacturing Equipment and Suspected Smuggled Goods
Inside the facility, investigators made several critical discoveries:
- Cigarettes branded as “Two Moon”
- Cigarette-making machines and manufacturing paraphernalia bearing the brands Mighty, H&P, Playboy, and Carnival
- Scattered tax stamps requiring verification by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
The presence of manufacturing equipment confirmed on-site production activities. Notably, the BOC indicated that these brands matched those recently apprehended in a separate operation in Batangas, suggesting a possible link in the distribution and supply chain of illicit cigarettes currently under investigation.
Furthermore, the cigarette-making machines and raw materials discovered are alleged to be smuggled items, as they lacked any import permits or proper customs documentation.
Arrest of Workers and Ongoing Investigations
Authorities apprehended 69 individuals found within the premises:
- Six male Chinese nationals
- 52 male Filipino nationals
- 11 female Filipino nationals
All arrested individuals are believed to be involved in the illegal operation. The BOC is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration to verify the status of the foreign nationals.
Financial Impact and Legal Consequences
Inventory and valuation of the seized items—including cigarettes, raw materials, and equipment—are currently ongoing. This process aims to determine:
- The total quantity and value of confiscated goods
- Corresponding duties, taxes, and penalties owed
Authorities are also establishing possible violations of various laws, including:
- Customs regulations
- Tax and excise laws
- Immigration statutes
- Other related legal provisions
Official Statement from Customs Leadership
Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno underscored the operation's significance in a formal statement: “Illicit cigarette manufacturing undermines legitimate businesses, deprives the government of much-needed revenues, and poses serious risks to public health. In line with the President’s directive, the Bureau of Customs will relentlessly pursue those involved in smuggling and illegal manufacturing through sustained enforcement and close coordination with our partner agencies.”
The raid represents a continued effort by Philippine authorities to combat illegal trade practices that harm both the economy and public welfare.
