Lighter in checked in baggage

Hello! Last week I had an international flight leaving from Guangzhou airport. I put my lighter in my checked in baggage and when I arrived at my destination I found a note inside my suitcase stating that it had been opened for inspection and "inflammable items" were confiscated. The note also said that it will be either thrown away or kept in custody for certain days (according to my carrier rules). Does this mean they have thrown it away? Is this a new regulation? I don't remember having trouble transporting lighters in my checked baggage.