Photo courtesy of PNP/Facebook
Seven individuals were arrested after authorities intercepted suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at about Php 1.25 million during a checkpoint operation in Baganga, Davao Oriental.
The operation took place on March 3 in Barangay Baculin, where police units stopped three vans carrying large sacks of cigarettes suspected to have been transported illegally.
Personnel from the 1st Davao Oriental Provincial Mobile Force Company led the operation with assistance from the Baganga Municipal Police Station.
Authorities discovered about 50 sacks of branded cigarettes inside the vehicles, equivalent to around 2,500 reams.
Police said the cigarette packs did not carry the required graphic health warnings, raising suspicion that the products had been smuggled.
Those arrested were identified only through their aliases as Kurt, Leogien, Janel, Ralph, April Boy, Asman, and Adrian.
The confiscated items and the suspects were brought to the police station for documentation and further legal proceedings.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation demonstrated the agency’s continued efforts to curb smuggling and other illegal activities. He said authorities would remain vigilant in enforcing the law and ensuring that checkpoints contribute to public safety.