Davao City, July 5, 2025 — A 50-year-old businesswoman was arrested after a failed attempt to smuggle ₱669,501 worth of cigarettes into Davao City by allegedly bribing checkpoint personnel at the Sirawan Entry Point in Toril District.
The suspect, identified as alias “Nurdina” from Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, was intercepted at around 10:50 p.m. after she attempted to hand ₱5,000 in cash—without valid reason—to members of Task Force Davao (TF-Davao) and Davao City Police Office (DCPO) stationed at the fixed checkpoint.
According to TF-Davao spokesperson Major Ronnel Avanzado in an interview with XFM Davao, the authorities immediately became suspicious of the bribe and conducted a thorough inspection of the vehicle.
This led to the discovery of 852 reams of undocumented smuggled cigarettes—specifically Bosqu and Greenhill brands—estimated to be worth ₱669,501. The shipment reportedly came from Zamboanga and was bound for Davao City.
The suspect is currently detained at Police Station 8 (PS8) under the DCPO and is facing charges for violating Republic Act 4712, or the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.
The confiscated cigarettes were turned over to the Bureau of Customs Region XI (BOC XI) for proper disposition.
TF-Davao Commander Colonel Rodrigo A. Mariñas Jr. praised the personnel involved for their alertness and firm enforcement of security protocols. He emphasized the city’s unwavering stance against smuggling and corruption, especially at all entry and exit points.
Authorities continue to remind the public that all checkpoints across Davao City remain under strict surveillance as part of efforts to safeguard the city from illegal activities.