DAVAO CITY: Authorities have arrested a suspect and seized P3 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in a checkpoint here on Friday, February 9.

Task Force Davao (TFD) spokesman Maj. John Louie Dema-ala identified the suspect as Renne Kuddamon Jamiri, 30, and a resident of Barangay Kasanyangan in Zamboanga City.

He was caught transporting 120 boxes of smuggled cigarettes at a checkpoint in Barangay Lascon, Calinan District.

Dema-ala said the shipment was seized after a team of policemen and soldiers flagged down a red Mazda closed van traveling toward the city. The vehicle was found to be loaded with a total of 6,000 reams of cigarettes with an estimated market value of P3 million.

Kuddamon failed to show the authorities at the checkpoint the proper documentation and permits for the cigarettes.

TFD Commander Col. Darren Comia, meanwhile, thanked a local resident who tipped the authorities off to the illegal cargo.

He said this is proof that the government's culture of security campaign is alive in Davao City.

"It's a testament that the cooperation and support of the Dabawenyos plays a vital role in the maintenance of peace, security and order in the city," Comia said.

The suspect, the vehicle and the contraband were turned over to the concerned agency for proper disposition.