MANILA, Philippines – Nasamsam ang nasa P22.5 milyong halaga ng ismagel na sigarilyo sa Davao del Norte.
Kasabay nito ay naaresto ang walong indibidwal, ayon sa ulat ng Philippine National Police (PNP) nitong Biyernes, Hunyo 5.
Naharang ng pulisya ang kontrabando at mga suspek sa madamong bahagi ng gilid ng ilog sa Barangay Lapas sa Carmen nitong Huwebes ng umaga.
“The suspects were allegedly involved in the transport and handling of smuggled cigarettes believed to have originated from Jolo, Sulu,” saad sa pahayag ni PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
“Seized during the operation were a jungkong boat marked ‘MJ Nur-Aira,’ two red container vans, an Isuzu Travis L300 van, two Nissan Navara pickup trucks, approximately 900 master cases of assorted cigarettes, eight smartphones, and several tactical items,” dagdag pa niya.
Kinilala ni Nartatez ang mga naarestong suspek na sina barge captain Aldasil Eron Illih, 24; boat mechanic Himer Said Jikiran, 31; assistant boat captain Abdulhaid Mali Sawaba, 20; at mga manggagawa na sina Dilis Jaji, 20; Sherwin Sappayani Mohammad, 26; Excer Sawade Mansari, 52; Marjun Nun Abdul, 46; at Alamunir Sala Parantes, 42.
“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,” ayon sa PNP chief.
“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.” RNT/JGC
