PNP cracks down on fake, smuggled cigarettes

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil yesterday ordered a crackdown on fake and smuggled cigarettes.

The directive follows reports indicating that the illicit trade results in an annual loss of P25.5 billion for the government and poses significant threats to public health and the livelihood of local tobacco farmers.

“I have directed all concerned police units to intensify the crackdown on fake and smuggled cigarettes. The PNP is committed to eradicating the illicit cigarette trade that not only undermines government revenues but also poses serious health risks to the public,” Marbil said.

He added that the intensified efforts would include heightened surveillance, stricter border controls and coordinated operations with other law enforcement agencies.

According to a Bureau of Internal Revenue report, counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes contributed to a 15.9 percent decline in government revenue in 2023, amounting to a P25.5-billion decrease from the previous year.

From January to April this year alone, the BIR reported losses totaling P6.6 billion.

“The battle against counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes is not just a fight for revenue or law enforcement; it is a crusade to safeguard the health of our people and ensure economic stability. We will not rest until every illicit operation is dismantled, every counterfeit product seized, and every violator brought to justice,” Marbil explained.

In response to the situation, the BIR has recommended more stringent measures to combat cigarette smuggling, such as tighter border controls and enhanced tax compliance enforcement.

The PNP chief’s directive follows a series of operations resulting in the arrest of people involved in cigarette smuggling across various regions and significant contraband seizures in Sultan Kudarat, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga City.

Recent operations have led to the recovery of illegal cigarettes valued at approximately P10 million.

From June 9 to 12, the Police Regional Office 9 reported the confiscation of 30 master cases of Canon, 35 master cases of Thunder, 34 master cases of Dunston, 47 master cases of Berlin and a significant number of other brands that were smuggled into the country.