DAVAO CITY – Authorities intercepted smuggled cigarettes valued at P9.8 million in a checkpoint here on Jan. 16.
AUTHORITIES inspect smuggled cigarettes seized in a checkpoint in Davao City on Jan. 16. (PNP)
The Police Regional Office-11 said authorities flagged down a wing van with the markings of a popular courier company in a Task Force Davao checkpoint in Barangay Sirawan, Toril District.
An informant told authorities that the vehicle is not owned by the company. The driver failed to show pertinent documents to confirm his affiliation with the company.
Authorities recovered 251 boxes of smuggled cigarettes from Pagadian City.
Police Regional Office-11 chief Police Brig. Gen. Leon Rosete acknowledged the support of the community in the campaign against smuggling and commended the vigilance and dedicated efforts of the police and the Bureau of Customs.
“Furthermore, arresting smugglers is crucial to protecting the local economy, public health, and security. Smuggling deprives the government of tax revenue needed for public services while harming legitimate businesses through unfair competition,” he said.
The driver is detained at the Toril Police Station and the contraband was turned over to the Bureau of Customs.