Alert grocer ‘nabs’ agent of fake cigarette

An alert grocer in Pampanga and her storekeeper have foiled the attempt of a man posing as a sales agent of a tobacco company and trying to sell counterfeit cigarettes worth at least P62,500.

The mini grocery owner, Lady Maria Meneses Canilao, called the local police upon sensing the illegal transaction, which in turn apprehended Ryan Gallera for selling fake Mighty cigarettes, a brand of Japan Tobacco Inc. last November 09, 2023.

Gallera, a native of Iloilo City, allegedly offered to sell to Lamore Mini Grocery one master case of Mighty green cigarettes, which contained 50 reams, and get four free reams for a total of 54 reams of cigarettes.

Storekeeper Remedios de Mesa Coronado immediately became suspicious of the quality and authenticity of items when she noticed the cheap plastic wrappings used and the old appearance of the cigarette packs.

The suspect even had in his possession fake official receipts and a fake booklet sales invoice to support his disguise as a legitimate sales agent of the company.

The storekeeper also immediately contacted the JTI sales agent who regularly visits their store, confirming their suspicion that Galera was a bogus sales agent.