PNP Caraga seizes over P900K worth of smuggled cigarettes
BUTUAN CITY -- The Philippine National Police Police (PNP) Caraga seized counterfeit cigarettes valued at P932,550 from the possession of nine arrested individuals in separate police operations conducted from May 1 to 18, 2025 in Caraga region.
Citing data from the Regional Operations Division 13, PNP Caraga Director Christopher N. Abrahano reported that the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (PPO) recorded the largest seizure, amounting to P857,400., followed by the Surigao del Sur PPO with P68,800, and the Agusan del Sur PPO with P6,350.
On May 18, the Intelligence Unit of Surigao del Norte PPO arrested alias “Allan” and “Edna,” residents of Butuan City, in Claver, Surigao del Norte. Confiscated from them were four cases of Delta cigarettes worth P72,000; three cases of Casa Blanca cigarettes worth P54,000; and 33 cases of Cannon Menthol cigarettes worth P595,000.
Another operation took place in Barangay 1, Dapa, Surigao del Norte, leading to the arrest of alias “Ismael” for possession of 300 reams of Delta cigarettes valued at P120,000.
Arrested persons have been charged with violation of RA 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
“There will be no let-up in our campaign against smuggled cigarettes. Let this serve as a stern warning to those who continue to engage in undocumented and counterfeit products; you will soon be caught by the long arm of the law,” DIr. Abrahano said. (PNP PRO 13/PIA Caraga)