GOVERNOR GENEROSO, Davao Oriental (May 3) – The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), through Coast Guard Station Davao Oriental, successfully led an inter-agency operation that resulted in the interception of smuggled cigarettes in Barangay Pundaguitan, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.
The operation stemmed from a report regarding the alleged loading of illegal cigarettes at Purok 11, Barangay Pundaguitan. Acting on this information, authorities immediately coordinated and launched a joint operation involving personnel from the PNP Governor Generoso, CIDG 11, RIU 11, PIU, 2nd DOPFMC, 66th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, CGS Davao Oriental, CGIG-SEM, NBI 11, NISG-EM, and Davao Oriental MARPSTA.
The team intercepted a FUSO wing van truck with Plate No. CBJ 7999, driven by a 47-year-old male from Zamboanga Sibugay. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 504 master cases of smuggled cigarettes inside the vehicle.
The confiscated items include 328 master cases of Greenhill cigarettes, 99 master cases of Cannon cigarettes, and 75 master cases of Bosqu cigarettes, along with the FUSO truck, its key, and registration documents.
Based on verification by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the National Tobacco Authority, the total estimated market value of the seized goods reached ₱21,335,000.00.
The arrested driver was informed of the cause of his arrest and his constitutional rights, including those under the Anti-Torture Act of 2009. He was brought together with the confiscated items to the Governor Generoso Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
CGDSEM reiterated its strong commitment to inter-agency cooperation in combating smuggling and other illegal activities to protect the country’s maritime security and economic integrity.
