A driver was apprehended on December 25 at a joint checkpoint in Brgy. Sirawan, Toril, Davao City for transporting smuggled cigarettes worth over ₱1 million.
Mohammad Obordo Nori, 30, a resident of Zamboanga City, was stopped at 12:30 p.m. during a routine inspection. Authorities discovered multiple reams of BROS Red cigarettes hidden near the driver’s seat of his van.
Further inspection revealed 1,305 reams of the same brand concealed in the vehicle. The smuggled items have an estimated value of ₱1,025,469. The driver failed to present proper documentation for the goods, prompting his immediate arrest.
The confiscated cigarettes and vehicle were turned over to the Bureau of Customs. Charges for violating RA 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) are being prepared. The suspect is currently detained at the Toril Police Station.
Authorities remind the public of the significant economic and social impacts of smuggling, urging vigilance to protect local industries.
