DAVAO CITY — A 21-year-old man was arrested after being caught unloading 15 master cases of smuggled cigarettes worth ₱900,000 from a minivan in Barangay Sasa, Davao City, on Wednesday afternoon, October 8, 2025.
The suspect, identified only as Javier, a resident of Muslim Village, Barangay Sasa, was apprehended around 3:14 p.m. in front of the Grand Gulf Establishment at KM 11. The arrest was made by members of the Davao City Special Operations Group (CSOG), who were conducting an anti-criminality surveillance operation in the area.
Police reports revealed that the suspect was seen unloading the contraband from a white minivan with plate number MBH 9136. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 15 master cases of imported cigarettes without proper tax stamps and health warnings as required under Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warning Law.
The confiscated cigarettes are now in police custody as evidence, while an inquest proceeding is being prepared against the suspect for violating the said law.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying anti-smuggling operations in Davao City, warning individuals and groups engaged in the illicit trade that they will face the full force of the law.