DAVAO CITY (PNA) – Smuggled cigarettes valued at P2.1 million were intercepted at the Barangay Sirawan checkpoint in Toril District here before dawn Sunday, July 17.
In a statement, the Task Force Davao (TFD) reported that personnel of the Davao City Police Office intercepted the closed delivery truck carrying 4,250 reams of cigarettes packed in 85 boxes at about 2 a.m.
Two suspected smugglers were arrested. The TFD identified them as Romel Penetrante, 43, and Robert Penetrante, 25, both residents of Barangay Sasa here.
Apart from the suspected smugglers, 32-year-old Oliver Opias, a resident of Barangay Tibungco, this city, was also arrested at the Barangay Lasang checkpoint in Bunawan District for possession of illegal drugs.
Opias was on board a public utility bus when he was caught with suspected shabu weighing around 0.09 grams with an estimated street value of P1,440.
Col. Darren Comia, TFD commander, said in a statement that intensified checkpoint operations in all border control points will continue to prevent the entry of illegal items that can affect the city’s economy.