CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Authorities confiscated ₱47,440 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a coordinated saturation drive targeting two of the city’s busiest hubs, the Carmen and Cogon public markets, on Friday, March 27, 2026.
The operation, spearheaded by the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, forms part of an intensified campaign against the proliferation of illegal tobacco products in local marketplaces, which authorities say continue to undermine government revenue and pose regulatory concerns.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Gaudencio A. Taboclaon, Deputy City Director for Operations, led the simultaneous crackdown under the supervision of Police Colonel Dexter G. Paje, City Director of the COCPO.
The joint operation mobilized a wide array of enforcement units, including personnel from all city police stations, the City Intelligence Unit (CIU), the City Mobile Force Company (CMFC), Task Force Oro, and the Cagayan de Oro Regulatory Compliance Board (RCB). The coordinated effort underscored a whole-of-government approach to curbing illicit trade activities within the city’s commercial centers.
Authorities conducted inspections across multiple stalls and vendors in both Carmen and Cogon markets, resulting in the seizure of various cigarette packs believed to have been smuggled into the country. These products typically evade customs duties and taxes, making them significantly cheaper but illegal for sale.
While no arrests were immediately reported as of this writing, police said further investigations are underway to identify the sources and distribution networks behind the illegal goods. Charges for violations of customs and tax laws may be filed against those found responsible.
The crackdown highlights growing concerns over the continued circulation of smuggled cigarettes in urban markets, which not only deprives the government of tax revenues but also creates unfair competition for legitimate businesses complying with regulations.
COCPO officials reiterated their commitment to sustain enforcement operations and called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to illegal trade.
“This operation sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the sale of smuggled goods in our city. We are strengthening our monitoring and enforcement to protect consumers and uphold the law,” a police official said.
Authorities are expected to intensify similar operations in the coming weeks as part of broader efforts to secure local markets and dismantle illicit supply chains.