Police arrested two Chinese nationals and confiscated more than P8 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes during an operation in Barangay Poblacion, Labrador, Pangasinan, on the afternoon of 21 January 2026, authorities said.

In a report from the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (Pangasinan PPO), police said the suspects were apprehended at around 5:30 p.m. during a checkpoint operation.

The report released by the Philippine National Police had the suspects’ names redacted, but sources familiar with the case separately confirmed their identities as Wei Lin Hua, 40, and Zhao Wang, 44.

Police identified Wei Lin Hua as the driver, described as single and allegedly a businessman residing at 1157 San Diego St., Barangay 507, Sampaloc, Manila. The second suspect, Zhao Wang, was listed as a resident of the Republic of China, with his address unspecified.

Authorities said joint operatives searched a white Isuzu Elf closed van truck with plate number CCB 6457, which was impounded during the checkpoint operation linked to the suspects’ arrest. The search led to the discovery of 101 boxes of assorted cigarettes totaling 5,050 reams, with an estimated market value of P8,055,000.

The seized items included 13 boxes (650 reams) of Modern Cigarette Menthol 100s, 49 boxes (2,450 reams) of Farstar Kingsize, 25 boxes (1,250 reams) of Modern 100 Black Menthol, and 14 boxes (700 reams) of Modern Menthol 100s in black and blue packaging.

“The operation was carried out in coordination with the Bureau of Customs as part of intensified efforts to curb smuggling operations in the region,” said PBGEN Dindo R. Reyes, PRO1 regional director.

Police said the confiscated cigarettes will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for use as evidence in the filing of appropriate charges against the suspects.

The operation was led by the Labrador Police Station, with support from the Pangasinan PPO under PCOL Arbel C. Mercullo, along with other PRO1 units, in coordination with Bureau of Customs Region 1, the report added.