Police authorities struck a major blow against smuggling operations during a joint entrapment operation conducted on November 19 at JP Laurel Avenue, Barangay Angliongto, Davao City
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects for selling smuggled cigarettes worth ₱2.5 million, violating Republic Acts 10643 and 12022. Authorities apprehended the suspects after they sold two master cases of Gold City brand cigarettes to a poseur buyer for ₱26,000 in marked money.
Further inspection of the area revealed 48 more master cases of assorted smuggled cigarette brands, escalating the estimated market value of the seized items to ₱2.5 million.
Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 emphasized that cracking down on counterfeit and smuggled goods is part of the Philippine National Police’s intensified campaign to support Chief PNP PGen Rommel Francisco D. Marbil’s directives. The smuggling of cigarettes not only poses risks to public health but also threatens the livelihood of local tobacco farmers, authorities stressed.
PBGen Leon Victor Z. Rosete, PRO 11 Regional Director, commended the efforts of the Regional Special Operations Group 11, City Special Operations Group, and Sasa Police Station, in collaboration with the Japan Tobacco Industry, for their coordinated efforts in the bust.
Authorities vowed to maintain peace and order in Davao Region while intensifying operations against illegal trade to protect public welfare and local businesses.
