MATI CITY, Davao Oriental – Authorities intercepted two wing vans loaded with millions of pesos worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in separate operations in Mati City on Thursday, June 25, resulting in the arrest of 38 individuals and the seizure of contraband initially estimated to be worth more than P14 million.
The twin anti-smuggling operations were carried out in Barangay Badas and Golden Valley, Barangay Central, where law enforcement personnel successfully blocked the transport of the illegal cigarette shipments believed to have been destined for several locations within the city.
Based on the initial assessment of authorities, the cargo seized from the wing van intercepted in Barangay Badas alone is estimated to be worth around P14 million. Meanwhile, officials have yet to determine the total value of the contraband recovered from the second wing van apprehended in Golden Valley, as inventory and verification remain ongoing.
Authorities confirmed that 38 individuals were arrested during the operations, including 36 persons apprehended in Barangay Badas and two others arrested in Golden Valley.
Investigators said the two shipments were believed to have been headed for Barangay Marayag, Golden Valley, and Barangay Badas, where the smuggled cigarettes were reportedly intended for distribution.
During the inspection, authorities discovered several brands of untaxed cigarettes inside the cargo, including ARIS, BOSQU, and GREENHILLS, all of which are now undergoing detailed inventory and documentation to establish the exact quantity and corresponding market value of the confiscated products.
Officials said the inventory process remains in progress as personnel continue counting and verifying every master case recovered from the two wing vans. The final valuation of the entire seizure is expected once the inventory has been completed.
Authorities are likewise conducting an extensive investigation to identify the individuals and groups allegedly behind the transport, distribution, and possible financing of the illegal cigarette shipments.
The operation forms part of the government’s intensified campaign against cigarette smuggling, an illicit trade that deprives the government of billions of pesos in excise taxes and customs revenues each year. Smuggled cigarettes, which enter the country without proper taxes, permits, or import documentation, are routinely targeted in anti-smuggling operations due to their economic impact and violations of customs and tax laws.
Charges are expected to be filed against those arrested following the completion of the inventory, documentation, and case build-up by the investigating authorities.
Officials have yet to release additional details regarding the identities of the suspects and the specific agencies that carried out the coordinated operations, as the investigation remains ongoing.