3 Chinese nabbed over fake cigarettes detained in Bicutan

Three Chinese nationals, who were earlier arrested for manufacturing and distributing fake cigarettes in Pampanga, have been transferred to the Bureau of Immigration’s detention facility in Bicutan pending their deportation proceedings.

Immigration Commissioner Alipio Fernandez Jr., in a statement, said apart from criminal charges, Li Cong Yan, Hua Xue Jen and Li Chao also have to explain their status in the country.

Fernandez said they are still waiting for the three aliens to submit their passports and other travel documents to prove that they are not illegally staying in the country.

Faizal Hussin, the bureau’s intelligence chief, said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Region 3 and the Quezon City police turned over the three suspects to the bureau last Nov. 17.

Based on the information furnished to the bureau, the three were arrested inside the premises of Villa Carlos Resort in Barangay Telepayong, Arayat, Pampanga last Nov. 16.

Also present during the raid were representatives of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Fortune Tobacco Corp. and Philip Morris Phils. Inc.

Seized from the three aliens were various equipment and materials used in producing fake Malboro, Winston and Champion cigarettes. — Evelyn Macairan, Janeire Elomina