Two Chinese nationals arrested in connection with the seizure of a large quantity of counterfeit cigarettes and bleaching creams were each granted $3million bail in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Charged with misleading and deceptive conduct breaching the Excise and the Customs acts are Xiocong Huang and Lau Huang.

The allegations are that on May 7 about 7 a.m. an operation was carried out in the Louisville Road area of Russell Heights, St Andrew. During the operation, a large amount of cash, counterfeit cigarettes, batteries, knapsacks and bleaching cream were seized.

The police were also reportedly led to two wholesales allegedly operated by the accused men. At those locations, it is said that another large quantity of counterfeit goods was found.

An attorney representing the men successfully argued for bail, explaining that they both had ties in the country, with one of the men having children who are attending school locally. He also told the court that not all the goods that were seized were counterfeit.

The men were ordered to report to the Constant Spring Police Station and to surrender their travel documents. A stop order was also put in place. The matter returns to court on May 20.