FOUR SUSPECTS, including a Chinese national, were arrested after they were caught in separate operations reportedly trying to sneak illicit cigarettes into the city.
On Thursday morning, Sept. 4, the Davao City Police Special Operations Group (CSOG) arrested three individuals, including a Chinese national, and seized over P1.2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in a raid in Barangay Paciano Bangoy.
Police identified the suspects only as Radjiel, 27, and Radzmir, 46, both Filipinos from Sulu, and Ke, a 47-year-old Chinese national. They were all apprehended at approximately 1:30 a.m. when a patrol team observed the men unloading master cases of smuggled cigarettes from an Isuzu closed van along Carmen Street in Bo. Obrero.
Police confiscated 20 master cases of illegal cigarettes with an estimated total market value of P1,200,000.
The raid was part of a larger monitoring and surveillance operation against criminal activities in the area, led by Lt. Joel Lucero Jr. under the direct supervision of Lt. Col.. Randy Sambalod.
The individuals will face a charge for violating Republic Act 10643 ( Graphic Health Warning Law)
Meanwhile, the Highway Patrol Group XI arrested alias Norjan, a resident of Muslim Village, Ilang, in a pursuit operation at 1:10 p.m. in Barangay Mudiang, Bunawan District.
According to the report, the team was conducting an anti-carnapping operation in Barangay Acacia when they spotted a Suzuki Mini Van quickly taking a U-turn. The driver accelerated but lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a water refilling station.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered 21 boxes of undocumented cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱346,000.
The seized cigarettes were turned over to the Bureau of Customs Region XI.
Col. Hansel M. Marantan, the newly designated acting director of HPG, said, “This operation demonstrates the Highway Patrol Group’s vigilance and commitment to preventing criminals from using motor vehicles as tools for illegal activities.”
” Beyond combating carnapping, HPG will remain an active partner in curbing smuggling and other crimes that threaten public safety and national security, Marantan said.”
Photo courtesy of DCPO
