Chinese nationals arrested for illegal tobacco trade in Pampanga

Three Chinese nationals were arrested by authorities after a buy-bust operation of unregulated tobacco products at Barangay Calantipe, Apalit, Pampanga, around 2:50 PM on 17 October 2025.

The said operation was a joint effort between the Pampanga Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Apalit Municipal Police Station following validated intelligence reports on the suspects’ activities.

The suspects were caught selling 10 boxes of Modern brand cigarettes to a poseur buyer in exchange for marked money. Upon their arrest, they failed to present the required permits to sell or distribute tobacco products, in violation of Republic Act No. 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.Authorities seized 40 boxes of Modern brand cigarettes worth P480,000, a white Foton aluminum van, P60,000 in cash believed to be proceeds of the illegal trade, and buy-bust money consisting of one genuine P1,000 bill and 11 pieces of boodle money.