DAVAO CITY — Authorities seized more than ₱2.1 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and arrested a van driver following a hot pursuit operation in Barangay Lubogan, Toril District, on Wednesday night, November 5, 2025.
The suspect, identified as alias Rod, 48, a resident of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), was caught transporting the contraband using a white Hyundai H-100 van when intercepted by operatives around 10:37 p.m.
According to police reports, the suspect attempted to flee after being flagged down for allegedly violating Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, particularly on the transportation of smuggled cigarettes. The pursuing team eventually cornered the vehicle and conducted the arrest.
Recovered from the van were 54 boxes of BOSQU brand cigarettes, each containing 50 reams, with an estimated total value of ₱2,121,660.
The successful operation was jointly carried out by the Eden Police Station, Toril Police, Task Force Davao, and the Bureau of Customs Region 11.
The confiscated items and the suspect are now under the custody of the authorities for proper filing of charges and further investigation.