The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a deeper investigation into possible inter-regional smuggling networks operating across Mindanao following Thursday’s seizure of PHP22.5 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and the arrest of eight suspects in Carmen, Davao del Norte.
The latest seizure came a day after authorities confiscated PHP13.25 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Picong, Lanao del Sur.
“We have directed our investigators to determine whether this shipment is connected to previous smuggling cases in Mindanao and to identify any syndicates, financiers, or networks operating behind these illegal activities,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement Friday.
He added that investigators are examining possible links among recent cases to determine whether common routes and groups are involved.
“Given recent anti-smuggling operations in different parts of Mindanao, we are examining possible patterns, routes, and common actors to establish whether these incidents are linked to a broader criminal organization,” he said.
The operation was conducted around 1:30 a.m. Thursday in Barangay Lapas by personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 11, in coordination with the Carmen Municipal Police Station and the Highway Patrol Group unit in Davao del Norte.
Arrested in the operation were eight suspects allegedly involved in the transport and handling of smuggled cigarettes believed to have originated from Jolo, Sulu.
Seized as evidence were a boat marked “MJ Nur-Aira,” two red container vans, an Isuzu Traviz van, two Nissan Navara pickup trucks, approximately 900 master cases of assorted cigarettes, and eight smartphones, among others. (PNA)
