Manila, April 30 -- The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has arrested four Chinese nationals and confiscated from them PHP1.7 million worth of smuggled onions declared as chicken karaage strips.

In a statement on Wednesday, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the suspects with aliases Shengren, Jialong, Wei, and Dewen, were arrested while in possession and control of the white onions found inside a 40-footer container van in Barangay Laug, Mexico, Pampanga on April 26.

Torre said the operation stemmed from reports of possible agricultural smuggling using a trailer truck that would pass through Mexico town.

During a check, police confirmed the smuggling activity after the container van yielded white onions in...