Authorities dismantled a suspected illegal cigarette manufacturing and storage facility in Barangay Sahud-Ulan, Tanza, Cavite, seizing an estimated ₱200 million worth of counterfeit tobacco products and equipment, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla issued a strong warning against counterfeit cigarette operations following the successful raid, describing the operation as part of the government’s intensified nationwide crackdown on illegal tobacco.
The facility, reportedly registered as Cavite South Luzon Steel Management and declared as a canned goods storage site, came under scrutiny after a concerned citizen reported a strong tobacco odor in the area. Subsequent surveillance confirmed cigarette manufacturing activities, prompting the Bureau of Customs to conduct an inspection that led to the raid.
Confiscated during the operation were cigarette manufacturing machinery, industrial generators, a forklift, sacks of dried tobacco, packaging materials, raw cigarette components, and alleged counterfeit finished products bearing various brand names, including boxes labeled “Fresh Tobacco Square” sets. The Bureau of Customs assessed the total value of the seized items at approximately ₱200 million.
The joint inter-agency operation involved personnel from the Philippine National Police CALABARZON Regional Intelligence Division, CIDG Cavite, the Bureau of Customs, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the local government of Tanza.
Authorities have yet to formally identify suspects as inventory and case build-up procedures continue. Charges are being prepared under Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act No. 12022, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
Remulla emphasized that intelligence-driven operations are crucial in protecting government revenues, legitimate businesses, and public health, reiterating the administration’s commitment to combating smuggling and counterfeit goods nationwide.
