MANILA – Bureau of Customs (BOC) operatives on Wednesday raided a warehouse in Barangay Panipuan, Mexico, Pampanga, after receiving reports that it was engaged in unauthorized local production of cigarettes.

Initial findings indicate that the warehouse was operating without permits, manufacturing cigarettes under brands such as “Two Moon,” Mighty, H&P, Playboy, and Carnival. Authorities also found cigarette-making machines and other manufacturing paraphernalia, suggesting active onsite production.

Among those present were six Chinese nationals, 52 Filipino men, and 11 Filipino women, whose involvement in the illegal operation is under investigation. The BOC is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration to verify the foreign nationals’ legal status.

The seized cigarette brands reportedly match those recently intercepted in Batangas, suggesting a possible link in a larger illicit distribution network. The machines and raw materials are believed to be smuggled, lacking proper import permits and customs documentation.

Scattered tax stamps are being examined by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to verify authenticity and compliance with excise tax laws.

Authorities are currently inventorying and valuing the seized items to assess duties, taxes, penalties, and potential violations of customs, tax, immigration, and other laws.