AUTHORITIES intercepted a sea vessel and a fleet of transport vehicles in Carmen, Davao del Norte, seizing an estimated P22.05 million worth of contraband cigarettes and arresting eight suspects on Thursday, June 4.
The early-morning operation took place in Barangay Lapaz, Carmen, following a tip-off from a concerned citizen that exposed an active hauling operation along the coastline.
Operatives caught the suspects mid-operation as they unloaded approximately 882 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes from a “Jungkong” watercraft—a traditional high-speed motorized wooden vessel—into a waiting land convoy.
Initial tactical intelligence revealed that the contraband originated in Sulu and lacked the mandated customs documentation or government tax stamps.
Aside from the Jungkong vessel, the joint task force confiscated two container vans, an Isuzu Travis van, and two Nissan Navara pickups, reportedly used to transport the illicit cargo.
Authorities also uncovered firepower at the scene, seizing a caliber .40 Glock 23 Gen 5 pistol, a caliber 9mm Banshee 300 KM4 pistol, assorted ammunition, and communication devices.
The eight arrested individuals, whose identities are being withheld pending the formal filing of charges, failed to present any legal permits authorizing the possession or transport of the tobacco products.
They now face criminal charges for violating Republic Act No. 12022 (Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act) and Republic Act No. 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings Law).
Police Regional Office XI regional director BGen Leon Victor Z. Rosete lauded the seamless execution of the multi-agency dragnet.
“This successful operation demonstrates the unwavering commitment of PRO 11 and our partner law enforcement agencies in combatting smuggling and other illegal activities that undermine legitimate commerce and deprive the government of much-needed revenues,” Rosete stated, reiterating a directive to tighten regional borders against illegal trade.
