Authorities cracked down on an alleged illegal cigarette production facility in Agoncillo, Batangas, seizing approximately P20 million worth of contraband cigarettes destined for nationwide distribution.

In a buy-bust operation conducted on November 21, 2023, authorities apprehended two individuals involved in the alleged illegal sale of cigarettes in Barangay Adia, Agoncillo, Batangas. Subsequent confessions led the police to a manufacturing facility and warehouse in another part of the town.

GMA Regional TV, Balitang Southern Tagalog, accompanied by law enforcement, visited the production facility and warehouse where boxes upon boxes of repackaged cigarettes were discovered, with reports suggesting that these counterfeit cigarettes had been distributed nationwide.

According to the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the confiscated ready-to-ship cigarettes amounted to approximately P20 million. This estimate doesn't include raw materials and machinery used in production.

"Nakapagkumpiska tayo ng 672 cartons of illegally manufactured cigarettes. Ngayong araw na ito, ifa-file ng Bureau of Internal Revenue 'yung kaso sa kanila 'yung Violation ng National Internal Revenue Code. Medyo liblib nga ito 'no, walang mag-aakala na merong gumagawa ng pekeng sigarilyo ito so ang ginagawa nila is dini-distribute nila ito nationwide," said PBGEN. Kenneth Lucas, Regional Director of PRO Calabarzon.

Authorities also seized a six-wheeler van from the warehouse in Agoncillo, Batangas. This is part of the approximately P300 million worth of other illegal manufacturing facilities raided in the town.

According to the police, the production facility and warehouse were established only in June of 2023.

"Kunyari eh farm, kaya itong mga taga-rito sa barangay na ito is hindi nila nalaman kasi puro manok at mga nagtatanim lang ng mga kahoy 'yung mga tao. Atin pong tinitignan lahat ng warehouses kaya po ipinag-utos natin sa mga Provincial Directors at sa mga chief of police na i-account itong mga warehouses natin," Lucas adds.

Charges have been filed against 34 individuals arrested in connection with the case, including 6 Chinese nationals and one Filipino-Chinese.

Authorities have also ordered the destruction of the confiscated illegal cigarettes, equipment, and the warehouse itself in the soonest time possible.