Navy and police officers have foiled attempts to smuggle cigarettes with a combined value of P23.5 million in separate operations in Maguindanao del Norte and in this city.
The Navy on Wednesday night intercepted a motorized boat carrying P14 million worth of cigarettes in the waters off Barangay Talisayan, Zamboanga City.
The boat and its two crewmembers were escorted to the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon for the inventory of 40 master cases of cigarettes.
The crewmembers said the cargo came from Basilan.
Meanwhile, police officers yesterday intercepted a vehicle carrying suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at P9.5 million in Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte.
The vehicle, which was pulled over at a checkpoint in Barangay Poblacion, was found to be carrying 266 master cases of cigaretes with no tax stamps.
The driver and his helper were taken to the police station for questioning after they failed to present documents for their cargo.