POLICE seized an estimated P1.25 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Davao City last weekend, a report to Philippine National Police Officer-in-Charge (PNP-OIC) Lieutenant General Vicente D. Danao Jr. said on Monday.

One of the reports said that Task Force Sirawan were manning an anti-criminality checkpoint in Barangay Sirawan in Toril District on Sunday when they flagged down a van that was found carrying 85 boxes of smuggled cigarettes when inspected.

The van driver and his helper failed to present any documents of their cargo, prompting officers to seize the contraband and the vehicle.

On the other hand, seven men were arrested for attempting to transport some P6.2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Zamboanga City last Saturday.

A police report said that members of the local police and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) conducted the seaborne patrol that led to the arrest of the seven who were onboard a motorized wooden watercraft locally known as “jungkong”.

The vessel was found loaded with 178 cases of smuggled cigarettes.

The seven suspects were arrested after they failed to present any documents regarding their cargo.

Police are reading charges for violation of Republic Act 4712 or an act amending certain sections of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines against the suspects.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon