Security officers tagged in illegal cigarette tradeThe HPG made the statement yesterday following the arrest of seven Chinese nationals and the confiscation of P129.06 million worth of illegal cigarettes in Quezon City and Valenzuela on Jan. 14. MANILA, Philippines — Some high-ranking members of the security forces are allegedly involved in the multibillion-peso illegal trade of cigarettes, according to the police Highway Patrol Group. The real financiers include some members of the security forces,” Marantan said at a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Marantan said the illegal cigarette trade is worth billions of pesos, making it difficult to dismantle due to alleged protection and profit-sharing. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify the financiers and other people involved in the illegal trade of cigarettes.

Source: Philippine Star January 19, 2026 16:43 UTC