The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), seized P63 million worth of illegal vape products in separate operations in Bulacan, Parañaque City, and Pasay City. A total of 179,000 pieces of vape and accessories were confiscated from the targeted areas.
According to Atty. Van Homer Angluben of the NBI-Cybercrime Division, the operation was first conducted under a mission order, while the subsequent ones were buy-bust operations. It was learned that the vapes were being sold through online messaging apps, and payment was made using cryptocurrency or casino chips, to avoid physical cash.
Three foreigners and two Filipino employees were arrested in the operation. The foreigners are said to be warehouse owners and middlemen for a Chinese supplier, while the Filipinos are online buyers.
Smuggling products are said to have a major impact on government revenue and public health. According to the NBI, the excise tax is double the price of vape products, resulting in a large tax loss. In addition, there is no assurance of the quality of these products, which could potentially harm the health of consumers.
The suspects are facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 11900, which seeks to regulate the sale of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, as well as the Tax Reform Act. They declined to comment while the investigation continues.
