THREE individuals, including a Chinese national, were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Matina, Davao City, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, for alleged violation of Republic Act 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law on tobacco products.
The operation, conducted at 4:05 PM on Sampaguita Street, Juna Subdivision, was a joint effort between Police Station 15 – Ecoland and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit XI (CIDG RFU XI).
It was part of CIDG’s flagship project, “Oplan Megashopper,” aimed at enforcing regulations on tobacco product sales.
Authorities identified the arrested suspects only as Alias Shi, 56, a male Chinese national, single, and a resident of Valencia, Bukidnon; Mujahid, 46, male, married, and a resident of Prk. 4 Isla Verde Boulevard, Brgy. 23-C, Davao City; and Faisal, 29, male, married, and also a resident of Prk. 4 Isla Verde Boulevard, Brgy. 23-C.
Seized from the suspects’ possession were significant pieces of evidence, including ₱1,000 used as buy-bust money, padded with boodle money, six master cases of Greenhills Cigarettes, five master cases of BROS cigarettes, with an estimated total value of ₱275,000.00 (₱25,000.00 per master case).
According to the report, a white Mazda Minivan (plate number MAQ 7227) and its key were also seized.
The total estimated value of all confiscated evidence amounts to approximately ₱435,000.
All seized items are currently under the custody of CIDG RFU XI for proper disposition as the investigation continues.
Photo courtesy of DCPO
