MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized an estimated ₱382 million worth of illicit cigarette-related materials during an enforcement operation on March 5, 2026, in Pampanga, the agency said.

The operation, led by BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, was conducted by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) and the Port of Limay, following a derogatory report about suspected illegal tobacco activities in the area.

A joint team composed of CIIS–Limay, the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS–Limay), units from the Philippine National Police (PNP), and representatives from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) raided a warehouse in Brgy. Balucuc, Apalit, Pampanga. Officials from the barangay and Pampanga Provincial Police accompanied the team.

Authorities found BIR tax stamps with identical serial numbers, large volumes of cigarette packaging materials, and tipping paper rolls for brands including Chesterfield, Camel, Mighty, Fortune, Carnival, Fort, Commando, Thunder, H&P, King, and Cannon Menthol. The seized items are being inventoried as part of an ongoing investigation.

From January to February 2026, the BOC recorded 110 successful seizures nationwide, totaling over ₱1.948 billion in illicit tobacco, a significant increase from 21 seizures worth ₱75.517 million in the same period in 2025.

Commissioner Nepomuceno commended the collaboration between CIIS and the Port of Limay, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to dismantling smuggling operations and protecting government revenue. District Collector Blesilda N. Balagtas also reaffirmed the port’s dedication to enforcing anti-illegal tobacco measures within its jurisdiction.