08/10/2026
ROUTINE TRAFFIC CHECK LEADS TO ARREST OF 14, SEIZURE OF ₱53.98-M SUSPECTED ILLICIT TO***CO HAUL IN CAVITE
A routine traffic enforcement activity in Cavite led to the discovery of a large shipment of suspected illicit to***co products, resulting in the arrest of 14 individuals and the seizure of items and vehicles with an estimated combined value of ₱53.98 million.
Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP),personnel of the PNP Highway Patrol Group Special Operations Division, in coordination with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Cavite Provincial Field Unit, Ternate Municipal Police Station, and a private-sector partner, conducted the operation on October 7, 2026, along Governors Drive, Barangay Poblacion 1A, Ternate, Cavite.
The operation initially involved traffic enforcement and inspection of several vehicles. During the inspection, police personnel noticed boxes believed to contain to***co products, prompting immediate coordination with the CIDG for verification and further investigation.
The subsequent operation resulted in the recovery of 793 boxes of suspected illicit ci******es loaded in three closed vans, along with two other vehicles. The to***co products were initially estimated at ₱47.58 million, while the combined estimated value of the confiscated products and vehicles reached ₱53.98 million.
The final quantity and market value of the to***co products will be established through proper inventory and assessment by the Bureau of Customs.
The 14 arrested individuals, aged 22 to 50, are facing possible violations of Republic Act No. 9211, or the To***co Regulation Act of 2003; Republic Act No. 8424, or the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997; and Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law. They were informed of the nature of their arrest and apprised of their constitutional rights in a language known and understood by them.
Chief PNP Gen. Nartatez said the operation highlights how alertness and proper coordination can turn an ordinary police activity into an opportunity to address a larger concern.
“This is why we do not treat routine police work as just routine. Our personnel have to stay observant, know when something needs to be referred for further verification, and coordinate with the right units. Dito pumapasok ang proper judgment—firm action, but always within the law,” Gen. Nartatez said.
The operation forms part of the PNP's continuing implementation of its Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which calls for coordinated, responsive, and accountable police action. It likewise supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in strengthening enforcement against activities that affect lawful commerce, government revenues, and consumer protection.
The PNP assures the public that enforcement efforts against the illicit to***co trade will continue through lawful operations and close coordination with concerned government agencies and stakeholders. At the same time, the PNP reiterates that all arrested individuals are entitled to due process and that the allegations against them remain subject to judicial determination.
Through professional, coordinated, and accountable policing, the PNP continues to advance the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)