DAVAO DEL NORTE – The Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its campaign against smuggling after law enforcement operations in Davao del Norte resulted in the seizure of more than ₱50.95 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and the arrest of five individuals on July 21.
In a separate operation conducted in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, joint police units carried out a coordinated buy-bust operation that led to the arrest of five Filipino suspects, all of legal age, believed to be involved in the illegal trade of smuggled tobacco products.
Authorities confiscated 2,038 master cases of suspected smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱50.95 million. Also recovered during the operation were several vehicles allegedly used in the illegal activity, mobile phones, and marked money utilized in the buy-bust operation.
The five suspects are now under police custody while investigators prepare the filing of appropriate criminal charges for violations of customs, tax, and other applicable laws related to the illegal importation and distribution of contraband cigarettes.
The successful operation forms part of the PNP’s sustained nationwide campaign against smuggling, which aims to dismantle illicit trading networks, protect legitimate businesses from unfair competition, and prevent the loss of government revenue caused by the proliferation of untaxed and illegally imported products.
Police officials said the operation also reinforces the PNP’s Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes intelligence-driven law enforcement, stronger inter-agency coordination, and intensified operations against organized criminal groups involved in economic sabotage and other illicit activities.
The PNP reiterated its commitment to pursuing individuals and syndicates engaged in smuggling and encouraged the public to report suspicious activities that could help authorities curb the illegal trade of contraband goods.