The Philippine National Police (PNP) is pressing for the immediate destruction of billions of pesos worth of seized smuggled tobacco products to dispel doubts about their handling and safeguard the integrity of anti-smuggling operations.
Recent seizures include ₱1.1 billion worth of cigarettes in Batangas and ₱1.5 billion in Malabon, which are held as evidence. But PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said they are now coordinating with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and other agencies to ensure prompt disposal.
“These confiscated cigarettes must be disposed of properly in the soonest possible time to prevent any speculation and maintain the integrity of our aggressive operations against this illegal product,” Nartatez stressed, adding that consultations are underway to address legal considerations.
He directed unit commanders to immediately turn over seized contraband to the BOC, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), or other appropriate agencies, while keeping thorough records of operations and monitoring of confiscated goods.
The move comes amid lingering stigma from past drug operations where police were accused of recycling seized narcotics. Nartatez emphasized that the PNP will not allow similar doubts to undermine its campaign against smuggled cigarettes.
He lauded the strong cooperation among the PNP, BOC, and BIR, citing effective information-sharing and joint operations in recent weeks.
As part of the nationwide crackdown, he also urged the public to serve as the “eyes and ears” of law enforcement, assuring that reports can be made safely and without fear of retaliation. (Aaron Recuenco)
