Massive PHP70 Million Smuggled Tobacco Bust in Pampanga Warehouse
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has seized more than PHP70 million worth of smuggled tobacco products during a targeted operation at a warehouse in Barangay San Pablo Libutad, San Simon, Pampanga. The raid, conducted on Monday, February 16, 2026, marks a significant victory in the ongoing campaign against illicit cigarette trade.
Netizen Tip Leads to Major Discovery
The operation was initiated after a vigilant netizen sent a text message to authorities, alerting them to suspicious activities at the warehouse. This tip came just hours after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, PNP Chief General Jose Melecencio Nartatez Jr., and officials from the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and Department of Agriculture had publicly presented three other warehouses and manufacturing sites in Pampanga earlier that same day.
Upon receiving the information, a team from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) swiftly moved to the location and confirmed the presence of various illicit cigarette brands inside the compound.
Detailed Inventory of Seized Contraband
The confiscated items include a substantial haul of smuggled tobacco products:
- 533 Master Cases of Modern Green Cigarettes
- 455 Master Cases of Modern Red Cigarettes
- 13 Master Cases of HP Red Cigarettes
- 1 Master Case of Delta Cigarettes
- 35 Reams of New Orleans Cigarettes
- 25 Reams of Delta Cigarettes
- 7 Packs of Nelson Cigarettes
- 45 Reams of HP Cigarettes
- 76 Packs of Delta Cigarettes
- 2 Packs of New Orleans Cigarettes
Additionally, authorities seized assorted raw materials intended for the manufacturing and repacking of cigarettes. Verification with local barangay officials revealed that the warehouse was operating without a valid business permit.
PNP Chief Emphasizes Community Cooperation
In a news release on Tuesday, PNP Chief Nartatez highlighted the importance of public collaboration in law enforcement efforts. "This is another proof of what we can achieve if we all work together to enforce the law and maintain peace and order. Criminal elements and syndicates stand no chance to operate and conduct illegal activities in a community that is united and working together towards peace and development," he stated.
Nartatez attributed the success of the operation to the renewed trust and confidence of the people in the Philippine National Police. He also announced that the PNP is now coordinating with concerned government agencies to identify the owner and/or lessee of the warehouse.
Intensified Campaign Against Organized Crime
The PNP is ramping up efforts to dismantle illegal cigarette networks across the country, aiming to prevent illicit profits from funding organized crime and other unlawful activities. Nartatez warned, "Based on our intelligence reports and the scale of these operations, this is not just about tax evasion, this is organized crime. Profits run into billions and it might be used in other illegal activities like arms smuggling, human trafficking and funding private armed groups."
Investigators are working closely with the Bureau of Customs and other enforcement units to trace the movement of funds across regions and identify all individuals involved in the smuggling chain. Nartatez issued a stern warning: "No amount of money, influence, or political connections can protect those behind this. We will run after whoever is involved."
Call for Public Vigilance and Reporting
Nartatez urged the public to actively participate in the campaign against the proliferation of illegal cigarettes by reporting any suspicious activities in warehouses within their communities. Concerned citizens can report through the Unified 911 System, with assurances that their identities will be protected.
Congressional Inquiry Launched
In response to the discovery, Pampanga 3rd District Representative Alyssa Michaela "Mica" Gonzales has filed House Resolution No. 788, directing the appropriate committee of the House of Representatives to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the recent uncovering of illegal cigarette factories in Pampanga.
The resolution, filed on Monday, seeks to investigate and identify the financiers, masterminds, and protectors behind these operations. Gonzales emphasized that the inquiry aims to address illegal acts resulting in economic sabotage, tax evasion, and reported incidents of human trafficking. The House will review pertinent provisions of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
