DAVAO ORIENTAL, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) successfully intercepted an estimated ₱11.2 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a joint checkpoint and interdiction operation in Barangay Marayag, Lupon, Davao Oriental on the morning of June 25, 2026, dealing another significant blow to the illegal tobacco trade and reinforcing the government’s campaign against economic sabotage.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Lupon Municipal Police Station (MPS) in coordination with the 2nd Davao Oriental Provincial Mobile Force Company (DOPMFC) DONCAMAR Sub-Station, the Naval Intelligence and Security Group–Eastern Mindanao (NISG-EM), PIT DAVOR RIU 11, and Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (RPSB) Cluster 15. The successful operation stemmed from intelligence information provided by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Davao Oriental Provincial Field Unit.
Authorities apprehended two Filipino male suspects, aged 51 and 20, who were driving separate vehicles believed to be transporting illicit tobacco products.
During the checkpoint inspection, law enforcement personnel required the drivers to present documents covering their vehicles and the transport of commercial goods. While conducting the verification, officers noticed plastic bags containing cigarette packs that were visibly lacking the mandatory Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps and Graphic Health Warning (GHW) labels, both required under Philippine law.
With the drivers voluntarily opening their vehicles for inspection, authorities discovered approximately 400 master cases of BOSQU and GREENHILLS brand cigarettes. The products were suspected to have been smuggled due to the absence of BIR tax stamps, Graphic Health Warning labels, and supporting transport documents.
The confiscated cigarettes carry an estimated market value of ₱11.2 million.
The suspects were immediately placed under arrest, informed of their constitutional rights, and taken into the custody of the Lupon Municipal Police Station, where they remain pending the filing of appropriate criminal charges.
Police have already coordinated with the CIDG Davao Oriental Provincial Field Unit and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for case build-up and the preparation of criminal and administrative charges against the arrested individuals.
The PNP said the successful interdiction highlights the strong collaboration among law enforcement agencies in preventing the entry and distribution of illicit goods, protecting government revenues, and ensuring compliance with laws governing the sale, transport, and distribution of tobacco products.
According to the PNP, the operation forms part of its continuing efforts to strengthen intelligence-driven and coordinated law enforcement operations against smuggling and other forms of illegal trade under its Focused Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations. The campaign also supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to safeguard the country’s economy and protect legitimate businesses from unfair competition.
In a statement, the PNP reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.
“We will not allow illegal products that undermine our economy and threaten the welfare of our people to circulate freely. The PNP will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations and coordination with partner agencies to prevent these unlawful activities,” the PNP said.
The police organization also emphasized its commitment to proactive, intelligence-based law enforcement while ensuring professionalism, fairness, and respect for due process in all operations.
The PNP likewise reiterated that it remains steadfast in upholding its vision of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman” through responsive, transparent, and people-centered policing while sustaining aggressive efforts against smuggling, illicit trade, and other forms of criminality nationwide.