PNP Seizes P160 Million in Illicit Vapes and Cigarettes in Malabon

Law enforcement officials in Malabon City seized approximately P160 million worth of undocumented cigarettes and unregistered vape products during a two-day operation in Barangay Potrero on November 11 and 12, 2026.

The raid, part of a broader initiative to curb illicit trade, also resulted in the arrest of a Chinese national.

The suspect, known by the alias "Ching," was apprehended by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 4A Special Operations Team, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Malabon City Police Station. He was allegedly engaged in the sale and distribution of cigarettes that bore a registered commercial brand but lacked the mandatory graphic health warnings required by law.

Authorities recovered approximately 1,120 master cases of cigarettes, valued at P78 million, which were allegedly distributed without authorization from the brand owner. Two trucks believed to have been used for the transportation of the contraband were also seized.

A follow-up enforcement operation uncovered an additional 635 boxes of vape products valued at P82 million. Verification by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) established that the items were unregistered, rendering their storage, sale, and distribution illegal.

The total value of the seized goods reached P160 million, encompassing 1,755 cases and boxes of illicit tobacco and vape products.

The operation aimed to disrupt unlawful distribution networks that harm legitimate businesses, deprive the state of lawful tax revenues, and expose consumers to products that fail to meet regulatory standards.

This enforcement action is grounded in Republic Act No. 12022, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which bolsters the government’s efforts to combat large-scale smuggling and illegal activities involving agricultural products, including tobacco.

It also aligns with Republic Act No. 10643, the Graphic Health Warnings Law, which requires health warnings on cigarette packaging to inform consumers about the risks associated with tobacco use.

PNP Chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized that law enforcement operations must target not only the vendors of illicit goods but also the supply chains responsible for introducing these products into the market.

The chief also highlighted the critical need to shield consumers from unregulated merchandise.

"Consumers must be protected against products that do not comply with legal standards. Their health should not be put at risk by illegal trade," Nartatez said.