JOINT efforts by Task Force Davao (TFD), the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), and the Bureau of Customs XI (BOC XI) resulted in the seizure of smuggled cigarettes with a combined estimated street value of P9,158,499.
The first operation occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, at the entry point in Barangay Eden, Toril District. Authorities intercepted an Isuzu Forward closed van, with plate number CBN 7118, traveling toward Davao City.
Upon inspection, they discovered 7,000 reams of smuggled New Berlin cigarettes, valued at P5,500,600. Authorities arrested Rommel A. Cortez, 34, of Laak, Davao de Oro, and Arjon V. Dumana, 40, of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
The second operation was at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, at the Sirawan checkpoint, also in Toril District.
Authorities flagged a white Isuzu Forward truck with plate number MBE 7645, containing 4,655 reams of smuggled Greenhill and Bros cigarettes, with an estimated street value of P3,657,899.00. They also arrested Jufel Ayawan Parame, 35, of Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Task Force Davao commander Colonel Rodrigo Mariñas Jr. said, “These successful interceptions at our entry points demonstrate the effectiveness of the stringent security measures implemented by Davao City’s security forces in ensuring the safety and security of all.”
The suspects and the confiscated contraband were turned over to Police stations 8 and 19 (PS8 and PS19) and BOC XI.
Photos courtesy of Task Force Davao
