AUTHORITIES seized more than P2.1 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during an operation conducted by the Toril Police and Task Force Davao around 10:37 p.m., Nov. 5, in Purok 2, Barangay Lubogan, Toril District.
The operation led to the arrest of alias Rodel , 48, a driver and resident of Purok 1, Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal.
Rodel was apprehended for transporting smuggled cigarettes, a direct violation of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The pieces of evidence secured during the operation included 54 boxes of BOSQU cigarettes, believed to be smuggled, with each box containing 50 reams. The total estimated street value of the confiscated goods reached P 2,121,660.
The successful apprehension followed a hot pursuit operation initiated by personnel from the Eden Police Station (PS19), under the supervision of Major Fil Anthony Manlatican, and Police Station 8 (Toril), led by Major Sheryl Bautista.
Personnel from Task Force Davao, led by Major John Louie Dema-ala, Bureau of Customs (BOC) XI and the Regional Maritime Unit-Davao del Sur, led by PCMS Franklin M. Pinsoy, also helped in the joint operation.
Law enforcers also seized a white Hyundai H-100 van (plate number LGN233), which was used to transport the contraband, according to the report.
During the arrest, an alternative recording device was utilized, and the suspect was immediately read his constitutional rights (Miranda Warning) and informed of the cause of his arrest in a dialect he understood.
The seized cigarettes and vehicle are now under the custody of the Bureau of Customs XI, while the suspect is detained in the Eden Police Station.
Photo courtesy of DCPO
