ILLICIT GOODS. Authorities account for the estimated PHP2.9 million cigarette contraband apprehended at the Sirawan border checkpoint in Davao City Tuesday (Feb. 14, 2023). At least 5,142 reams of smuggled cigarettes were seized inside a 10-wheeler wing van truck passing through the checkpoint. (Photo courtesy of TFD)
DAVAO CITY – Authorities seized more than PHP2.9 million worth of smuggled cigarettes at the Sirawan border control checkpoint here, an official reported Wednesday.
Col. Darren Comia, the Army-led Task Force Davao (TFD) commander, said Tuesday's apprehension, in coordination with the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Davao, was the biggest so far this year.
“We will be vigilant to filter smuggled and illegal contraband considered very dangerous and harmful to the Dabawenyos and the city's economy,” he said.
At least 5,142 reams of smuggled cigarettes with an estimated street value of PHP2,982,360 was seized from a 10-wheeler wing van truck passing through the Sirawan checkpoint.
Arrested was the truck’s driver, identified as Webster Niebre, 28, of Midsayap, North Cotabato.
Niebre is facing charges in violation of Republic Act 4712 or An Act Amending Certain Sections of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines. (PNA)
