ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 14 -- Authorities arrested three individuals, including a teenager, and seized about PHP14.9 million worth of contraband in separate law operations in Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur provinces on Monday afternoon, officials said Tuesday.

Col. Leo Sua, Lanao del Norte Police director, said alias Ab, 59, and the 16-year-old boy were arrested in Barangay Libertad, Kolambugan town.

Sua said the operatives were conducting a checkpoint operation when they flagged down a cargo truck driven by Ab for routine inspection.

"Upon inspection, the truck was found transporting 9,000 reams of assorted cigarettes, all believed to be smuggled, and with an estimated market value of PHP7,200,000," he said in a report.

Sua said ...