Digos City, Davao del Sur — Authorities arrested a suspect and confiscated ₱6.4 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in a joint anti-smuggling operation conducted on July 17, 2025, in Barangay Zone 1, Digos City.
The Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11), through its Regional Intelligence Division (RID11) and Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU11), carried out the operation in coordination with the Digos City Police Station and the Bureau of Customs-Davao. The suspect, identified only by the alias “Joy,” was arrested for violations of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Republic Act 10643, the Graphic Health Warning Law on tobacco products.
Authorities recovered approximately 128 master cases of assorted smuggled cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱6,400,000.00.
The successful operation forms part of the intensified anti-criminality efforts ordered by PBGEN Joseph R. Arguelles, Acting Regional Director of PRO 11, and in line with the marching directives of PNP Chief, PGEN Nicolas D. Torre III, to proactively combat the smuggling of illicit goods in the region.
To ensure transparency, police operatives used a cellular phone as an Alternative Recording Device (ARD) to document the arrest, in compliance with Supreme Court Administrative Matter A.M. 21-06-08-SC.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the Digos City Police Station for standard booking procedures and the filing of appropriate charges. Police confirmed that the individual was properly informed of the nature of the arrest and his constitutional rights in a language he could understand.
This latest operation underscores the commitment of PRO 11 in its relentless campaign to curb illegal activities and protect the welfare of the public.