TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — Authorities seized ₱150.95 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes and arrested four suspects during a large-scale law enforcement operation in Barangay Busaon, Tagum City, in what the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) described as a significant blow against agricultural economic sabotage and illicit tobacco trade.
The operation was carried out from 9:30 p.m. on July 21 until 4:02 p.m. on July 22, 2026, led by the CIDG Davao del Norte Provincial Field Unit under the CIDG Regional Field Unit 11, in coordination with the CIDG Davao de Oro Provincial Field Unit, Coast Guard Intelligence Group Southeastern Mindanao (CGIGSEM), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Region XI, and other joint Philippine National Police units.
Authorities arrested four male suspects, all of legal age, who are residents of Davao City, Zamboanga City, and Davao Oriental. Investigators said the suspects were allegedly caught in possession of, controlling, and selling smuggled tobacco products in violation of Sections 7 and 9 of Republic Act No. 12022, otherwise known as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
During the operation, law enforcement personnel confiscated 2,038 master cases of alleged smuggled cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₱150,950,000. Authorities also impounded three vehicles allegedly used to transport the illicit tobacco products.
According to a report submitted to CIDG Director PMGEN Robert A.A. Morico II, the seized cigarettes were found to be the subject of a deficiency tax assessment issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. The assessment indicates that the taxpayer allegedly underpaid taxes, including unpaid excise taxes and other applicable internal revenue taxes, making the tobacco products subject to enforcement action.
CIDG officials emphasized that Republic Act No. 12022 was enacted to strengthen the government’s campaign against agricultural economic sabotage by protecting public revenues, promoting fair competition, and safeguarding consumers from illicit products.
Morico stressed that the law imposes severe penalties on those engaged in smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartel activities involving agricultural and fishery products, describing these offenses as acts of economic sabotage that undermine the country’s financial stability and threaten the livelihoods of legitimate producers.
He added that the government’s intensified enforcement efforts aim to curb tax evasion, ensure the proper collection of duties and excise taxes, protect farmers and legitimate businesses, and preserve the overall soundness of the Philippine economy.
The CIDG chief also commended PLTCOL Ariel T. Huesca, Acting Regional Chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 11, and PLTCOL Rogelio B. Pineda Jr., Provincial Officer of the CIDG Davao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, along with all participating law enforcement agencies, for the successful operation.
He described the seizure of more than ₱150.9 million worth of alleged smuggled tobacco products as a landmark accomplishment that reflects the CIDG’s unwavering commitment to dismantling smuggling networks and enforcing the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
The CIDG reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive law enforcement operations nationwide, assuring the public that it will continue working closely with partner agencies in the government’s intensified campaign against cigarette smuggling, tax evasion, and other forms of agricultural economic sabotage.