Central Visayas Police Seize P170.3 Million in Illegal Cigarettes Since January 2026
Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 in Central Visayas has confiscated illegal cigarettes valued at a staggering P170.3 million since the beginning of January 2026. This massive haul underscores the region's intensified crackdown on smuggling activities, with authorities leveraging intelligence monitoring and coordinated law enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit trade networks.
Details of the Confiscated Contraband
According to data released by PRO 7, the seized items include approximately 138,516 packs and 3,231 reams of cigarettes. These confiscations were made possible through sustained intelligence operations that focused on intercepting the transportation, storage, and distribution channels used by smugglers. The police have prioritized targeting key logistical points to effectively curb the flow of these illegal products into the market.
Strong Commitment to Law Enforcement
Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, the chief of PRO 7, emphasized that this campaign reflects their unwavering commitment to enforcing the directive of DILG Secretary Juanito “Jonvic” Remulla. The goal is to eradicate the manufacture, sale, and distribution of illegal cigarettes across the region. "Every operation we conduct against illegal cigarettes is part of our responsibility to protect the integrity of our laws and the welfare of our communities," Maranan stated. "We fully support the directive of Secretary Remulla to put an end to the manufacture, sale, and distribution of these illegal products. This is not only about stopping smuggling—it is about preventing criminal groups from taking advantage of our communities and ensuring that lawful businesses are protected."
Continued Efforts and Public Collaboration
Maranan assured the public that PRO 7 will not relent in its intelligence monitoring efforts. The police force plans to strengthen partnerships with other agencies and local government units (LGUs) to maintain the momentum of this anti-smuggling campaign throughout Central Visayas. Additionally, PRO 7 is actively encouraging community involvement by urging citizens to report any information related to warehouses, vehicles, or individuals involved in the illegal cigarette trade. This collaborative approach aims to swiftly address and suppress such activities, fostering a safer and more compliant environment.
