DAVAO CITY – Seven men from various parts of Mindanao were arrested in a joint anti-smuggling operation conducted by the 5th Special Operations Unit, Davao Intelligence Team of the Maritime Group, and Buhangin Police Station 5 around 4:30 p.m. on October 14, 2025.
Authorities intercepted the suspects along Cabantian Road, Buhangin, Davao City. They were identified only through their aliases as: “Ronald,” 44, from General Santos City; “Abdulkadir,” 39, from Barangay Digal, Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur; “Abdulnasjer,” 26, from Sultan Kudarat; “Anwar,” 40, from Malandang, Malungon, Sarangani Province; “Mohammad,” 22, from Barangay Santo Niño, Koronadal City; “Norhamsam,” 31, from Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat; and “Nadzrodin,” 24, from Damalusay, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao del Sur.
Confiscated from their possession was a van loaded with smuggled cigarettes, believed to have been transported from outside the city without proper documentation.
Authorities said the operation is part of the intensified campaign against the illegal transport and distribution of smuggled goods, which continue to affect the local economy and legitimate traders.
The arrested suspects are now facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10643, or the “An Act to Effectively Instill Health Consciousness Through Graphic Health Warnings on Tobacco Products.”
Police are further investigating the group’s possible connection to a larger smuggling network operating across Mindanao.