ZAMBOANGA CITY, Dec. 15 -- The Philippine Navy seized PHP39.8 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in three maritime interdiction operations around Basilan and Zamboanga City, officials reported Monday.

Rear Adm. Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Naval Command, said the biggest haul occurred Sunday when Navy personnel apprehended a fishing vessel southeast of Tolonpisa Island, Basilan.

The operation netted 519 master cases of cigarettes worth PHP29.9 million and led to the arrest of five crewmen.

Earlier interceptions on Friday and last Monday also resulted in the confiscation of an additional PHP9.9 million worth of contraband from two motorboats.

Reyes said all confiscated items, vessels and crew were tu...