Davao del Norte Police Seize P22.5 Million in Smuggled Cigarettes, Eight Arrested
P22.5-M ‘smuggled’ cigarettes seized; 8 arrested in Davao del Norte
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In Davao del Norte, Philippines, authorities seized P22.5 million worth of allegedly smuggled cigarettes and arrested eight individuals on June 4, 2026. The operation was conducted by the Philippine National Police in Barangay Lapas, with suspicions that the cigarettes originated from Jolo, Sulu.
- 01The operation took place in a grassy area beside a river in Barangay Lapas, Carmen.
- 02Seized items included a jungkong boat, two container vans, two pickup trucks, and approximately 900 master cases of cigarettes.
- 03The arrested suspects range in age from 20 to 52 and include a barge captain and a boat mechanic.
- 04The Philippine National Police is investigating potential connections to previous smuggling cases in Mindanao.
- 05Authorities are examining patterns and networks involved in these illegal activities.
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On June 4, 2026, the Philippine National Police (PNP) seized approximately P22.5 million worth of allegedly smuggled cigarettes in Carmen, Davao del Norte, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals. The operation took place near a river in Barangay Lapas, where police intercepted the suspects believed to be involved in transporting contraband originating from Jolo, Sulu. Among the seized items were a jungkong boat named ‘MJ Nur-Aira,’ two red container vans, an Isuzu Travis L300 van, two Nissan Navara pickup trucks, and around 900 master cases of assorted cigarettes. The arrested suspects, aged between 20 and 52, include a barge captain and a boat mechanic. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that investigators are looking into potential links to previous smuggling incidents in Mindanao and are working to identify any criminal networks behind these activities.
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The seizure of these smuggled cigarettes may disrupt illegal trade operations in the region.
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