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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP nabs 8, seizes P22.5-M worth of 'smuggled' cigarettes in Davao del Norte

PNP nabs 8, seizes P22.5-M worth of 'smuggled' cigarettes in Davao del Norte

Published Jun 5, 2026 12:38 pm

At A Glance

  • Meanwhile, the PNP leadership ordered a deeper investigation into possible inter-regional smuggling networks operating across Mindanao as the latest seizure occurred a day after authorities confiscated P13.25 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Picong, Lanao del Sur.
(Photo: PNP)
(Photo: PNP)
Eight individuals were arrested while an estimated P22.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes was confiscated during an anti-smuggling operation conducted by the Philippine National Police in Carmen, Davao del Norte on Thursday, June 4.
Personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 11, in coordination with the Carmen Municipal Police Station and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Davao del Norte carried out the operation around 1:30 a.m. at a grassy area beside a river in Barangay Lapas.
Arrested during the operation were Aldasil Eron Illih, 24, alleged captain of the barge; Himer Said Jikiran, 31, boat mechanic; Abdulhaid Mali Sawaba, 20, assistant boat captain; Dilis S. Jaji, laborer; Sherwin Sappayani Mohammad, 26, laborer; Excer Sawade Mansari, 52; Marjun Nun Abdul, 46; and Alamunir Sala Parantes, 42.
“The suspects were allegedly involved in the transport and handling of smuggled cigarettes believed to have originated from Jolo, Sulu,” PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said on Friday, June 5.
Authorities discovered approximately 900 master cases of assorted cigarettes, a jungkong boat marked “MJ Nur-Aira,” two red container vans, a white Isuzu Travis L300 van, and two Nissan Navara vehicles.
Police also confiscated firearms including a caliber .40 pistol and a 9mm pistol, both reportedly registered under Parantes.
Several magazines, ammunition, and firearm registration documents were also recovered as well as eight smartphones, a tactical sling, a tactical backpack, and a sling bag.
Meanwhile, Nartatez ordered a deeper investigation into possible inter-regional smuggling networks operating across Mindanao as he noted that the latest seizure occurred a day after authorities confiscated P13.25 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Picong, Lanao del Sur.
“We have directed our investigators to determine whether this shipment is connected to previous smuggling cases in Mindanao and to identify any syndicates, financiers, or networks operating behind these illegal activities,” he said.
He added that investigators are now examining possible links between recent cases to establish whether common routes and groups are involved.
“Given recent anti-smuggling operations in different parts of Mindanao, we are examining possible patterns, routes, and common actors to establish whether these incidents are linked to a broader criminal organization,” Nartatez stated.

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