AUTHORITIES seized P8.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes, along with suspected illegal drugs and a firearm, during an anti-smuggling operation on the evening of July 3, 2025, in Barangay Ilang, Bunawan District, Davao City.
The joint operation, carried out at Purok 19, Cabanes Road, was prompted by an intelligence tip from the Naval Intelligence and Security Group-Eastern Mindanao (NISG-EM) regarding suspicious and abandoned boxes near a warehouse.
Upon arriving at the site, operatives discovered 431 master cases of illicit cigarettes in front of the warehouse, reportedly linked to the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Jumar. Also recovered from the scene were two sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P5000, and a .45 caliber Armscor pistol with seven live rounds.
The suspect is reportedly a resident of the area and fled the scene before operatives could apprehend him.
The operation was jointly conducted by personnel from Police Station 4 (Sasa), led by PCpt. Arnieto R. Ico and under the supervision of PMaj. Marcille M. Manzano, along with NISG-EM led by LCdr. Melwin L. Goles, and officers from the Bunawan Police Station.
The seized cigarettes have been turned over to the Bureau of Customs-Port of Davao for proper documentation and case proceedings. Meanwhile, the firearm and illegal drugs will undergo forensic examination at the Regional Forensic Unit (RFU-Davao)
Bunawan Police Station is currently preparing charges against the fleeing suspect.