Photo courtesy of PRO XI
MORE THAN P19 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized from six individuals after they were apprehended in a successful buy-bust operation conducted by authorities in Digos City on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Police only identified the arrested individuals by their aliases Anda, Sam, Amir, Nad, Mar, and Jake.
The six were arrested in a joint operation by the Police Regional Office XI, Digos City Police Station, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Davao del Sur.
The coordinated effort took place at approximately 4:30 p.m. as part of CIDG’s Project Plan Mega Shopper, which aims to combat violations of Republic Act 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
During the operation, the six suspects were caught in the act of selling cigarettes lacking the legally mandated graphic health warning labels to an undercover police officer.
Authorities recovered and seized the following items: one master case of President (red) cigarettes without graphic health warnings (used in the sale); one (1) genuine PHP 1,000 bill (serial number N1279855) used as marked money; and fourteen (14) pieces of PHP 1,000 boodle money.
Further investigation led to the seizure of a substantial quantity of smuggled cigarettes, including 262 master cases of President (red) cigarettes and 216 master cases of Aris (white and black) cigarettes, all without the required graphic health warnings.
The total haul amounted to 478 master cases of President and Aris brand cigarettes, with an estimated market value of PHP 19,120,000.00.
Police also confiscated a white Isuzu Travis L3 van and a red container van, believed to be used in the transport and storage of the illegal goods.
Brigadier General Leon Victor Z. Rosete, PRO XI regional director, reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing the law against all forms of illegal activities, including smuggling.
The arrested suspects will face charges for violating Republic Act 10643 and other applicable laws.
