Manila: After a series of successful raids on illegal cigarette warehouses and factories, the government will now go after retailers, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Friday. At a press briefing, Remulla announced that raids on supermarkets selling illegal cigarettes will begin next week.

According to Philippines News Agency, Remulla issued a stern warning to sellers, indicating that the authorities have already apprehended distributors and manufacturers of illegal cigarettes, and retailers are next on the list. He emphasized that supermarkets across the country should prepare for the impending raids.

Remulla cautioned that any store caught selling illegal cigarettes will be shut down, with those responsible for distribution facing non-bailable charges under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act. He advised those in possession of illegal cigarettes to dispose of them, stating that they have one week to comply.

On Thursday, police dismantled a suspected illegal cigarette manufacturing and storage facility in Barangay Sahud-Ulan, Tanza, Cavite. The facility, registered as Cavite South Luzon Steel Management and declared as a canned goods warehouse, became the subject of scrutiny after a citizen reported a strong tobacco odor.

Surveillance confirmed cigarette production at the site, leading to an inspection by the Bureau of Customs. Authorities seized cigarette-making machines, generators, a forklift, dried tobacco, packaging materials, raw components, alleged counterfeit products of various brands, and boxes of fresh tobacco square sets. The Department of the Interior and Local Government reported that the seized contraband is valued at about PHP200 million, based on the Bureau of Customs assessment.