CARMEN, Davao del Norte – Authorities recovered more than ₱3 million worth of allegedly smuggled cigarettes after suspected smugglers abandoned their vehicle and fled during a joint anti-smuggling operation along the Tala River in Carmen, Davao del Norte, early Thursday morning, July 30.
The operation was carried out by the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) through the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Carmen, in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Carmen, the PNP Maritime Group, and the Anti-Regional Special Operations Group (ARSOG).
According to CGDSEM, the operation stemmed from intelligence information relayed by the Coast Guard Intelligence Group South Eastern Mindanao (CGIGSEM) at around 5:30 a.m. The report indicated that personnel from the Carmen Municipal Police Station had intercepted a vehicle believed to be transporting allegedly smuggled cigarettes. Before authorities could apprehend them, however, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and escaped on foot, leaving behind both the cargo and the transport vehicle along the riverbank in Purok 5, Barangay Taba, Carmen, Davao del Norte.
Acting immediately on the intelligence report, personnel of CGSS Carmen coordinated with the responding police units and proceeded to the area to verify the information. Upon inspection, the joint team successfully recovered the abandoned shipment and secured the vehicle believed to have been used in transporting the contraband.
Authorities confiscated a total of 121 master cases of Bosqu cigarettes, all allegedly lacking the mandatory Health Graphic Warning (HGW) required under Philippine regulations, indicating that the products may have entered the country illegally and were intended for unauthorized distribution.
The seized cigarettes were estimated to have a market value of approximately ₱3,025,000.
Also recovered during the operation was a white Mazda Transformer bearing Plate Number KBK 7068, which investigators believe was used to transport the illegal cargo.
The confiscated cigarettes and the recovered vehicle were turned over to the Carmen Municipal Police Station for proper documentation, inventory, evidence custody, and further investigation. Authorities are now working to identify and locate the suspects who managed to flee the scene.
No injuries or untoward incidents were reported during the operation, and Coast Guard personnel safely returned to their station after completing the mission.
The Coast Guard emphasized that the successful recovery underscores the effectiveness of strengthened intelligence-sharing and interagency collaboration among law enforcement units in Mindanao in the campaign against smuggling and other transnational crimes.
Officials noted that operations targeting illicit tobacco products remain a priority, as smuggled cigarettes not only deprive the government of significant tax revenues but also violate customs regulations and public health laws designed to protect consumers.
The seizure is among the latest anti-smuggling operations conducted in Mindanao, reflecting the continued commitment of the Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police, and partner agencies to curb the entry and distribution of illegal tobacco products, enforce customs and health regulations, and safeguard the country’s borders against illicit trade.