By Che Palicte

SMUGGLED CIGARETTES. The PHP2.2 million worth of illicit cigarettes seized by the police in Barangay Astorga, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur on Sunday (Jan. 5, 2025). Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete, Director of the Police Regional Office in Davao Region, said the smuggling suspect was apprehended during a police operation against a rape suspect in the same area. (Photo courtesy of PRO-11)

DAVAO CITY – Authorities arrested a suspect in possession of PHP2.2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes during a police operation in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, on Sunday.

Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete, Director of the Police Regional Office in Davao Region (PRO-11), said cops were in Barangay Astorga to arrest a suspect of statutory rape when they noticed another individual stacking 2,500 reams of cigarettes nearby.

Upon inspection, the suspect failed to present legal documents for the contraband.

“The person was immediately detained for further investigation and is now under the custody of the Sta. Cruz Municipal Police Station,” Rosete said Monday.

Authorities are preparing charges for violating Republic Act Nos. 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law and 12022 or the Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

The seized cigarettes were turned over to the Regional Special Operations Group. (PNA)