A routine law enforcement sweep by the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group on New Year’s Eve led to the seizure of unregistered cigarettes worth about ₱1.5 billion in Malabon City.
The operation took place at around 10:30 p.m. on December 31 along M.H. Del Pilar Avenue, where two motorcycle riders without helmets ignored police orders to stop, triggering a hot pursuit.
The suspects were cornered inside a logistics facility, where authorities discovered 18 containers stacked with imported cigarettes lacking proper documentation.
Three Filipino men, aged 31, 44, and 47, were arrested in connection with the seized goods, while one motorcycle rider was issued a citation for traffic violations.
HPG Director Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan said the operation underscored the importance of vigilance and swift enforcement in preventing large-scale criminal activity and protecting public safety.
