CEBU CITY, Philippines — Authorities seized more than ₱138 million worth of smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes in a series of coordinated raids across Cebu City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The operations, conducted jointly by the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), targeted several warehouses suspected of storing illicit tobacco products. Officials reported confiscating a total of 135,936 packs of assorted cigarette brands, which are now under BIR custody for further examination and case processing.

“This accomplishment reflects our commitment to the PNP Focused Agenda, strengthened by Enhanced Managing Police Operations. Ang mabilis at maayos na pagtutulungan ng ating mga yunit sa Cebu ay patunay na kaya natin labanan ang smuggling at iba pang ilegal na gawain,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

Revenue officials noted that the seized cigarettes were likely intended for distribution in public markets and retail outlets across Cebu and neighboring provinces. Bernardino Paul R. Somera Jr., chief revenue officer of the BIR Regional Investigation Division, emphasized that the crackdown was part of the government’s intensified campaign against tax evasion and smuggling in the tobacco industry.

The PNP has urged stronger coordination with local government units and communities to identify warehouses and properties suspected of housing smuggled goods. Officials stressed that grassroots intelligence, particularly from barangay officials and residents, plays a crucial role in dismantling illegal trade networks.

The latest seizure in Cebu adds to a string of nationwide operations against illicit tobacco, which authorities say have cost the government billions in lost revenue. Investigations are ongoing to identify the individuals and groups behind the smuggling operations, with police vowing to pursue charges against those involved.

This crackdown underscores the government’s determination to protect legitimate businesses, secure tax revenues, and curb the spread of counterfeit tobacco products in the country.