Panabo City, Davao del Norte — Authorities dealt a major blow to the illegal tobacco trade as a massive volume of smuggled cigarettes was officially condemned and destroyed in a joint operation led by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), with the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) serving as official witness, on January 23, 2026.
The destruction took place at the Port of Davao Composting Facility in Barangay New Malitbog, Panabo City, marking a decisive enforcement action against illicit trade that undermines government revenues, public health, and national security.
According to authorities, the disposed contraband included 1,471 mastercases, 247,610 reams, 4,616 packs, eight individual cigarette sticks, and four plastic crates of seized tobacco products. The disposal was carried out pursuant to Orders of Condemnation Nos. 006-2024 and 006-2025, and was conducted in strict compliance with existing laws and regulatory procedures.
Officials emphasized that the process was fully documented and transparent, ensuring accountability at every stage—from inventory to final destruction—amid heightened public scrutiny over the handling of confiscated goods.
PRO BAR lauded the Bureau of Customs for its firm stance against smuggling and illegal trade, stressing that the successful disposal reflects strong inter-agency collaboration between law enforcement and customs authorities. The joint effort, police said, reinforces the government’s intensified campaign to curb illicit activities that deprive the state of billions in revenue and expose the public to unregulated and potentially harmful products.
“This operation demonstrates the government’s resolve to protect the economy and safeguard public welfare,” PRO BAR said in a statement, adding that it remains committed to strengthening anti-smuggling initiatives in close coordination with the Bureau of Customs and other partner agencies.
The destruction of the seized cigarettes sends a clear warning to smugglers and illegal traders that authorities are tightening enforcement and ensuring that confiscated goods will not re-enter the market under any circumstances.