Davao City – July 3, 2025 — In a major anti-smuggling operation, authorities from the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) confiscated ₱8.62 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Barangay Ilang, Davao City.
The operation, conducted by personnel of the Sasa Police Station (PS4) and Bunawan Police Station (PS6) under the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), in coordination with the Naval Intelligence and Security Group – Eastern Mindanao (NISG–EM), took place at Purok 19, Cabanes Road. A total of 431 master cases of smuggled cigarettes were recovered in front of a warehouse following an intelligence report from NISG–EM.
During the same operation, operatives also discovered other abandoned contraband, including:
- One ARMSCOR .45 caliber pistol;
- Two heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, valued at ₱5,000.00 based on the Standard Drug Price;
- One glass tube tooter;
- One yellow disposable lighter.
The seized cigarette shipment was immediately turned over to the Bureau of Customs – Port of Davao for inventory, while the confiscated firearm and suspected illegal drugs were submitted to the Davao City Forensic Unit 11 for examination.
PBGEN Joseph R. Arguelles, Acting Regional Director of PRO 11, commended the swift and coordinated response of the operating units, emphasizing their commitment to the PNP’s Three Core Pillars under the leadership of Chief PNP, PGEN Nicolas D. Torre III – “Swift and Responsive Public Service.”
The operation highlights the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies in curbing smuggling and illegal drug activities in the region.