In a comprehensive campaign against illegal cigarette trade in Southern Mindanao, authorities had seized an estimated Php19.1 Million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested six individuals during a successful buy-bust operation conducted on May 4, 2025.
The joint operation was carried out by personnel from the Digos City Police Station (CPS) together with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Davao del Sur Provincial Field Unit (DSPFU). The operation took place at approximately 4:30 PM, under the CIDG’s flagship Project Plan Mega Shopper, which targets violations of Republic Act 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law.
Acting on intelligence reports, the operatives executed the sting in a strategic location within Digos City, leading to the arrest of six suspects, known only by their aliases: “Anda,” “Amir,” “Sam,” “Nad,” “Mar,” and “Jake.” Confiscated from the suspects were 478 master cases of smuggled cigarettes, allegedly intended for distribution across various areas in the region. Authorities also seized boodle money used in the operation, an Isuzu Travis L3 van, and a red container van used to transport the illicit goods.
The arrested individuals were immediately placed under the custody of CIDG and are facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10643, which mandates the use of graphic health warnings on tobacco product packaging and prohibits the importation and distribution of non-compliant tobacco products, as defined by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Police Brigadier General Leon Victor Z. Rosete, Director of Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11), lauded the success of the operation and emphasized that it is part of a broader crackdown on the cigarette smuggling and other contraband goods in the Davao Region. He reaffirmed PRO 11’s strong commitment to uphold the rule of law and to safeguard public health and safety.
Authorities noted that the smuggling of cigarettes remains to be a serious concern in Mindanao, often linked to organized crime and broader illicit trade networks. These illegal activities undermine lawful businesses, deprive the government of much-needed tax revenues, and contribute to the proliferation of unregulated tobacco products that pose serious health risks.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) urges the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities related to smuggling and other illegal operations. With continued cooperation between police and the community, the government envisions to stem the tide of smuggling and preserve the integrity of lawful commerce across the country.
