Fake cigarettes worth over P4M seized in Manila; 2 Chinese arrested

Authorities seized boxes of fake cigarettes in Binondo, Manila, on Tuesday.

About 88 boxes containing 50 reams each were confiscated from 2 Chinese suspects.

ADVERTISEMENT

The estimated price of the fake cigarettes is P4.4 million.

Authorities previously conducted a test-buy with the suspects, so they were able to that the products were fake, according to the certification the cigarette manufacturer has undertaken.

Police are currently investigating if the cigarettes were smuggled.

ADVERTISEMENT

This is a developing story — more details to follow.

91 Chinese women, 4 Pinay rescued from high-end KTV bar in Makati

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided and rescued 91 Chinese women and four Filipinas from an alleged prostitution den and high-end KTV bar in Makati city, late Monday night.

The NBI also arrested 4 Chinese men and 4 Filipinos who allegedly operates the said upscale KTV bar in Yakal Street, Barangay San Antonio, Makati City.

ADVERTISEMENT

NBI Anti-Fraud Division executive officer and lawyer Jun Astreto said a Chinese national tipped that the bar was being used as prostitution front.

The authorities then placed the establishment under surveillance for two weeks. The NBI stormed the bar after their asset was able to book a Filipina woman for P29,000 using an online application.

According to reports, customers can choose among displayed women for at least P15,000 each.

The KTV bar was already the third alleged prostitution den involving Chinese nationals authorities have raided.