DAVAO CITY –— Authorities at the Task Force DavaoSirawan Checkpoint intercepted another shipment of smuggled cigarettes aboard a public utility vehicle (PUV) past noon on December 25, adding to a series of recent seizures in Davao City.
The suspect, identified as Mohammad from Zamboanga City, was arrested after failing to present any documentation for the cigarettes.
During the inspection, authorities initially spotted several reams of a particular cigarette brand on the passenger side of the PUV. A more thorough search of the vehicle uncovered additional reams of cigarettes hidden inside.
According to an inventory conducted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the seized items totaled 1,305 reams with an estimated value of ₱1,025,469.
The suspect is currently in police custody and will face charges of violating Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
This marks the third seizure of smuggled cigarettes at Davao City checkpoints since Monday, December 23, 2024, as authorities intensify efforts to curb smuggling activities in the region.
