SIX Chinese nationals were nabbed by the operatives of the Crime Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Davao after fake cigarettes worth P18 million were seized during the raid in Davao City Friday morning.
The Chinese nationals were identified as Jianqun Shi, Meiqun Shi, Chunqin Shi, Lianzai Shi, Tianpei Shi. The Shis, who are relatives, are now under CIDG-Davao custody
The identity of the other suspect is yet to be known as he was arrested by the San Pedro Police Station.
The CIDG raided several warehouses around 6 a.m. on July 21, at San Pedro Village, Buhangin; Rivera village, Bajada; F. Bangoy Street; 6th Avenue, Agdao; Sta. Ana Avenue, and Agdao in Davao City.
The operation was launched after they received reports from the PMBS and Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp. Inc. (PMFTC) on the proliferation of these fake cigarettes in the local market. The representatives of the company witnessed the raid conducted in coordination with other police stations like Buhangin and Sta. Ana.
Forty-eight search warrants issued by Judge Retrina Fuentes were served.
The operation led to the confiscation of some 800 boxes of counterfeit cigarette products of PMBS and PMFTC.
The suspects will be facing charges for violation of the the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.