Up to 38 people were arrested, and boxes of alleged smuggled cigarettes worth around P30.4 million were seized in a two-day operation in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Davao (CIDG-11), the individuals arrested included drivers and passengers of several vehicles allegedly involved in the illegal transport of illicit cigarettes.

CIDG-11 added that of the 38 individuals arrested, five were minors who were then turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for intervention.

“The operating teams carried out coordinated police response and follow-up operations targeting the transport and distribution network of smuggled cigarettes,” CIDG said.

During the operations on June 25 to 26, 2026, two wing van trucks were intercepted in Barangay Badas and Barangay Sainz.

More than 600 master cases of cigarettes were confiscated from the vehicles.

Authorities also recovered an improvised bamboo raft fitted with plastic drums at a beach resort.

Based on investigation, the raft had allegedly been used to transport smuggled cigarettes from a docked boat to the shore for loading and distribution.

The suspects arrested are facing charges for violation of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (RA 12022).