DAVAO authorities intercepted over P9 million worth of smuggled cigarettes at the AFP-PNP Border Control Point in Sirawan, Toril, Davao City, on Thursday morning, January 16, 2025.
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) reported that the contraband was flagged after receiving a tip on January 14 about a closed van truck with a J&T Express logo. However, it was later confirmed that the truck had no affiliation with the company.
Task Force Davao (TFD) personnel stopped the truck at the checkpoint and apprehended the 36-year-old driver, identified as “Carlito,” who failed to provide valid documents proving the legitimacy of the courier.
TFD informed the Toril Police Station and the Area Manager of J&T Express, who confirmed that the truck was not connected to the company. Initially, the driver denied the allegations but later admitted that the truck contained smuggled cigarettes.
Authorities alerted the Bureau of Customs, and by 3 p.m., 251 boxes of smuggled cigarettes, valued at P9,861,790, were found in the truck. The contraband, along with the truck and driver, is now in the custody of Davao police for possible charges under Republic Act 10863, the "Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)." DEF
