The NBI personnel seized more than P8.1 million worth of unregistered vape from an online shop in Sta. Cruz, Manila on July 3. During the operation, five suspects were caught and immediately presented to the media.
The suspects identified as aliases Vincent, Christian, John Rey, Renz, and Mercy were filed with the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office. They were charged with violation of RA 11900 (Vape Regulation Act), RA 10175 (Cybercrime Law), and RA 7394 (Consumer Act).
According to NBI Director Jaime Santiago, the group uses social media, especially facebook.com/port2pasok, to sell unregistered vape products. After conducting surveillance and test-buy, the DTI confirmed that the products they seized were unregistered.
Together with representatives of the DTI - OSMV, the shop at Felix Huertas St. was raided and the suspects were caught while selling. 25,653 vape items from the brands “Haze”, “Astra”, and “Black Market” worth P8,164,570.00 were seized.
The NBI continues to monitor online sellers who do not comply with the law regarding vape products to ensure public safety.
