The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) seized 16 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth an estimated ₱916,800 during a joint inspection at the Port of Dapitan on October 21, 2026.
The operation involved the port police, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) boarding team, Maritime Police, and a K9 unit after authorities received information about the possible transport of illegal cigarettes aboard a bus.
During the inspection, authorities discovered the 16 master cases of cigarettes inside the bus’s cargo compartment.
The seized cigarettes and the bus conductor were brought to the PNP Maritime Station for documentation and further investigation.
The incident may constitute a violation of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The PPA said the operation highlights the importance of coordination among government agencies in preventing illegal trade and maintaining port security.
