The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PNP Chief, seized over Php82 Million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested a hotel owner along with two Chinese nationals during a joint anti-smuggling operation at a hotel in Cauayan City, Isabela, on June 25, 2026.
The operation was conducted by the Cauayan City Police Station, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and other government agencies by virtue of a BIR Mission Order after police received information regarding the alleged sale and distribution of suspected smuggled cigarettes.
Authorities searched two hotel rooms and confiscated 202 boxes of various cigarette brands with a total estimated value of Php82,713,366.52. Also found at the premises were the hotel owner identified only as alias “Willy,” and two Chinese nationals identified by the aliases “Michael” and “Lisa.” Following the inventory and documentation, the confiscated cigarettes were turned over to the BIR Regional Office 2 for proper custody, disposition, and the filing of appropriate charges against the suspects.
The accomplishment reflects the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens intelligence-driven enforcement against smuggling and other economic crimes that undermine legitimate businesses and fair trade.
The PNP Chief emphasized the importance of sustained enforcement against illicit trade, saying, “Smuggling strengthens criminal networks and creates an uneven playing field for legitimate businesses. We will continue working with our partner agencies to dismantle these illegal operations and ensure that those behind them are held accountable.”
“Hindi kami titigil sa pagsugpo sa smuggling at iba pang iligal na gawain. Mahalaga ang pakikipagtulungan ng publiko upang mapanagot ang mga lumalabag sa batas,” he concluded.
