Regional Training Center 2

PNP CONFIRMS ₱5.4-B COUNTERFEIT CIGARETTE TAX STAMP OPERATION; FILES CHARGES

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has confirmed the large-scale use of counterfeit foreign cigarette tax stamps following the technical examination and verification of seized cigarette products in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

The verification, conducted in coordination with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) and authorized representatives from the tax stamp provider, established that the seized cigarette products bear non-authentic Malaysian excise tax stamps.

This development follows an earlier anti-illegal trade operation by Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) under COPLAN “Dark Leaf,” which involved the implementation of a search warrant against a cigarette manufacturing facility suspected of illicit activities.

During the examination, a total of 45 cigarette samples from various brands were tested, all of which yielded negative results for authenticity. Authorities also uncovered 38 boxes containing approximately 10.64 million counterfeit tax stamps, equivalent to around 212.8 million cigarette sticks, with an estimated value of ₱4.256 billion.

Earlier, the operation at the Baisisen Global Corporation facility resulted in the seizure of 22 machines used in cigarette production, valued at about ₱1.1 billion. The total estimated value of all seized items, including cigarette products, counterfeit stamps, and equipment, reached approximately ₱5.4 billion.

Following the verification, a formal complaint was filed on April 13, 2026 for violation of Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code (Falsification by Private Individuals and Use of Falsified Documents), with possible additional charges under related laws.

PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational crimes.

“This operation highlights the strength of our coordination with foreign counterparts in going after large-scale illegal activities that affect government revenues and economic stability,” PGEN Nartatez said.

The PNP continues to intensify its campaign against economic sabotage and illicit trade as part of its operational focus, in line with the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations.

The PNP remains committed to its vision of a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)