Authorities in Davao del Sur scored a major breakthrough against illicit tobacco trade after seizing an estimated ₱600,000 worth of illegal cigarettes in a joint buy-bust operation in Barangay Balutakay, Hagonoy.
The suspect, known only as alias “Mino,” was arrested around 5:00 p.m. by operatives of CIDG Davao del Sur in coordination with the Hagonoy Municipal Police Station. The operation was carried out under the CIDG’s Flagship Project Plan Mega Shopper, which targets violations of Republic Act 10643—the Graphic Health Warnings Law prohibiting the sale of tobacco products without proper health warnings.
Recovered from the suspect were:
- ₱1,000 marked money
- 19 pieces of machine-copy boodle money
- 1 master case of San Marino cigarettes
- 16 additional master cases of San Marino
- 13 master cases of Aris cigarettes
All confiscated cigarette products lacked the required Graphic Health Warning, making their sale illegal.
The suspect and all seized items are now under the custody of CIDG DSPFU for proper documentation and filing of appropriate charges.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on illicit tobacco trade, emphasizing that such operations protect consumers, uphold the law, and safeguard public health.