Authorities seize large quantities of smuggled cigarettes in Philippines and India

Authorities in the Philippines and India have conducted significant operations to intercept smuggled tobacco products.

In Iligan City, Philippines, Police Regional Office 10 seized 250 reams of Modern-brand cigarettes valued at approximately ₱200,000. The seizure occurred during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Dalipuga after officers intercepted a vehicle traveling from Lanao del Norte to Cagayan de Oro City. The driver was unable to provide required importation and tax documentation. The goods and the vehicle are slated for turnover to the Bureau of Customs.

In Mizoram, India, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a truck on the Champhai-Aizawl Road, seizing 43.2 lakh sticks of ‘Patron’ brand cigarettes. The shipment, suspected to have been smuggled from Myanmar, is valued at Rs 8.64 crore. Officials noted the cigarette packets lacked mandatory health warnings required under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003. The driver was arrested, and the vehicle was seized under the Customs Act, 1962.