The two people—a Chinese and a Filipino-Chinese—were arrested in Pasay City for selling and distributing unregistered vape products in Metro Manila.
According to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Chinese suspect was selling illegal vape products in bulk using cellphones and the internet. On September 29, the NBI conducted a buy-bust operation that was difficult due to the number of procedures. They first checked whether the money was genuine before taking it to the place where the goods were located.
Authorities confiscated six boxes of unregistered vape products. According to Charles Poso, head of the operation, the items came from China but were presented as being made in the Philippines. The packaging has Tagalog and English written on it, making it appear to pass the regulations, but it is not registered with the DTI, making it illegal to sell in the country.
The samples will be submitted to the NBI Forensic Chemistry Division for testing for illegal substances. The two suspects were charged with violating Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.
The value of the confiscated vape products is estimated at ₱300,000.
