A pre-dawn operation in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental led to the seizure of P12 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and the arrest of one suspect on May 1, 2026, the PNP said.
The joint operation, conducted around 1:40 a.m., involved personnel from local police, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), regional and provincial intelligence units, with support from the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, and the National Bureau of Investigation.
A 47-year-old Filipino man was apprehended, and assorted cigarette products believed to have been transported without proper permits and tax documentation were confiscated. Investigators said the goods were intended for distribution, bypassing legal channels and depriving the government of tax revenues.
The suspect remains in police custody as charges are being prepared.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the coordinated effort, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating illegal trade.
He said anti-smuggling operations will continue, noting that the distribution of untaxed goods harms both the economy and legitimate businesses.
The seizure forms part of the PNP’s broader campaign against smuggling and other economic offenses, with authorities vowing to sustain enforcement efforts nationwide to protect public interest and uphold fair trade practices.