- NBI XI seizes over ₱6-M in smuggled products in buy-bust
THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation XI seized 142 boxes of alleged smuggled cigarettes valued at over ₱6 million following a buy-bust operation at a residential area in Barangay Sasa on Monday night, Aug. 3.
In a press conference at the NBI XI regional office on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 4, assistant regional director Gerald Intes said they launched the operation in Crystal Meadows Subdivision after surveillance confirmed that illicit tobacco products were being distributed directly from the neighborhood.
“At first, the information we received pointed to an established warehouse. But upon validation, it turned out to be a residential area,” Intes said. “Operatives had a difficult time entering initially because access was strictly limited to regular, known clients. So we briefed our team and planned a buy-bust.”
During the sting executed around 8 p.m. on Aug. 3, NBI poseur-buyers transacted with a caretaker at the location, who accepted the buy-bust money and was immediately taken into custody.
According to an official certification issued by the Bureau of Customs-Port of Davao on Aug. 4, the 142 master cases of apprehended cigarettes carry an exact dutiable value of ₱6,075,328, exclusive of duties, taxes, excise tax, penalties, and other mandatory impositions.
The certification was signed by the assessment division customs examiner, port control office head, and representatives from the Enforcement and Security Service and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service.
“We turned over the items to the Bureau of Customs right away this morning. Through our close coordination, they issued the certification which will serve as official evidence in the filing of charges,” Intes added.
Malaysian origin
Initial investigation revealed that the contraband originated from Malaysia before being smuggled into local supply chains. Intes noted that law enforcement prioritized cutting off the primary supply node inside Davao City after tracking illicit sales to local public markets.
“These contrabands came from Malaysia and were smuggled into Davao. I instructed our team to target the source within Davao City first before moving on to neighboring provinces,” Intes said, adding that the agency is pursuing additional leads regarding other individuals and networks involved in the distribution ring.
The arrested suspect, who denied all allegations, is currently in NBI custody and faces formal charges for violations of national customs, tax, and trade laws.
