Davao City, April 6, 2025 — Authorities from the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) arrested a truck driver identified only as Alyas “Ray” at a checkpoint in Barangay Bago Gallera, Davao City, for transporting smuggled cigarettes valued at Php 2.5 million.
The operation was conducted jointly by the City Intelligence Unit of the Davao City Police Office and the Regional Intelligence Unit 11. The suspect, a native of Zamboanga Sibugay, was driving a green ISUZU 14-wheeler prime mover truck with a 40-footer red container van (plate number AUB 1814) when flagged down along Purok 15, Libby Road.
During the routine inspection, authorities noticed suspiciously arranged reams of cigarettes, prompting a more thorough search. This led to the discovery of 199 boxes of D&J cigarettes hidden inside the container van. Another box was also found separately, bringing the total to 200 boxes. The suspect failed to present proper documentation for the cargo.
Despite efforts to seek assistance from the Bureau of Customs, personnel were unavailable due to assignments outside Davao City. PRO 11 proceeded with the confiscation of the items and placed Alyas “Ray” under arrest for violating the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, as amended by Republic Act 4712, and Republic Act 10643.
The confiscated items — 200 boxes of D&J cigarettes and the prime mover truck with container van — are now in the custody of PRO 11.
PRO 11 Regional Director PBGEN Leon Victor Z. Rosete lauded the team for the successful interception. “With the guidance of Chief PNP PGEN Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, we will continue to combat illegal activities and diligently enforce the law,” he said, underscoring the regional police’s commitment to stopping illegal trade and protecting communities from contraband.
Investigation into the smuggling operation is ongoing.