CONTRABAND. A total of 4,250 reams of smuggled cigarettes worth PHP2.1 million were intercepted by Davao City Police Office personnel at the Sirawan checkpoint in Toril District early Sunday (July 17, 2022). The contraband was intercepted from two residents of Barangay Sasa, Davao City. (Photo courtesy of Task Force Davao) DAVAO CITY - Smuggled cigarettes worth about PHP2.1 million were intercepted at the Barangay Sirawan checkpoint in Toril District here early Sunday. In a statement, the Task Force Davao (TFD) reported that personnel of the Davao City Police Office intercepted the closed delivery truck carrying 4,250 reams of cigarettes packed in 85 boxes at about 2 a.m. The TFD identified the suspects as Romel Penetrante, 43, and Robert Penetrante, 25, both residents of Barangay Sasa. Apart from the suspected smugglers, 32-year-old Oliver Opias, a resident of Barangay Tibungco, was also arrested at the Barangay Lasang checkpoint in Bunawan District for possession of illegal drugs. Opias was on board a public utility bus when caught with suspected shabu weighing around 0.09 grams and with an estimated street value of PHP1,440. Col. Darren Comia, TFD commander, said in a statement that intensified checkpoint operations in all border control points will continue to prevent the entry of illegal items that can affect the city's economy. (PNA) }