CONTRABAND. Task Force Davao and partner agencies seized PHP8.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes at the Sirawan entry point in Barangay Sirawan, Toril District, Davao City during a predawn operation Thursday (May 23, 2024). Authorities arrested two persons onboard a wing van cargo truck carrying the contraband. (Photo courtesy of Task Force Davao)
DAVAO CITY – Task Force Davao (TFD) seized PHP8.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes at the Sirawan entry point in Barangay Sirawan, Toril District before dawn Thursday.
In a statement, TFD commander Col. Darren Comia said the operation with the Davao City Police Office and Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Davao also led to the arrest of two suspects, "Dante" and "Dennick," both of Cagayan de Oro City.
Both suspects were onboard a wing van cargo truck carrying the contraband, which consisted of 303 boxes of smuggled cigarettes, Comia said.
The suspects and the illegal items were immediately turned over to the Toril Police Station and BOC-Davao for the filing of charges in violation of Republic Act 4712 or An Act Amending Certain Sections of Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.
Comia commended the troops for their dedication and commitment to ensuring that no illegal items or contraband would enter the city.
"The consecutive apprehensions in our entry points manifested the stringent security checks being implemented by Davao City's security forces to ensure the safety and security of residents," he said. (PNA)
