Philippine Police Seize $800,000 Worth of Illegal Vapes, Including Spark Lighting and Elite 15000

Key Points:

·Law enforcement operation: The Philippine Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted a joint raid executing a search warrant at two commercial establishments in Bulacan, Philippines. 

·Items seized include 140 boxes of e-cigarettes, 23 boxes of pods, and related accessories, with a total value of 45 million pesos (approximately $800,000). 

·Two suspects, known as "Rhizmel" and "Anne", were arrested for allegedly selling unregistered e-cigarette products. 

·The case is being prosecuted under Article 19 of Republic Act No. 11900, as the products were not registered with the DTI and the Bureau of Internal Revenue. 

·CIDG emphasizes the government's commitment to regulating e-cigarette products in order to protect public health rights and interests.

【2Firsts News Flash】According to the Daily Tribune report on July 13, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in the Philippines seized e-cigarette products worth 45 million pesos (approximately $800,000) on July 10.

The Criminal Investigation and Detective Division stated that its North District field team, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), executed a search warrant, resulting in the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of multiple unregistered e-cigarette products.

According to a report submitted to Acting Director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Romeo Macapaz, two suspects have been identified as business partners "Rhizmel" and "Anne." They are accused of illegally selling and distributing unregistered e-cigarette products without the necessary permits and authorization from the Department of Trade and Industry.

The items seized in this operation include 140 boxes of various e-cigarette products (including brands such as Spark Lighting, Elite 15000, Royal Purple, Oxva, Boss V00M-01, and Premium Boss Greek), 23 boxes of Spark Pods, 98 boxes of Spark Pod Juice, 104 boxes of Spark Pod Refills, several receipts and delivery orders, and a closed-circuit television monitoring device, with an estimated total value of 45 million pesos.

The suspect has been handed over to the national prosecutor's office for prosecution for failing to register the relevant products with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the National Tax Bureau, in violation of Article 19 of Republic Act No. 11900, the "Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Product Regulation Law.

Deputy Police Commissioner Markapaz emphasized that the government has a responsibility to protect and promote the health rights of the people, as well as to cultivate a nation-wide awareness of health. The government is committed to regulating the import, manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of vaping nicotine and non-nicotine products, related equipment, and e-cigarette products in order to create a healthy social environment.

Afterword:

Recently, multiple departments in the Philippines have cracked down on illegal e-cigarette products. 2Firsts had an in-depth conversation with Lucas, who has years of experience in the e-cigarette industry in the Philippines. Lucas believes that the Philippine market is currently in a "chaotic period," and until the regulatory system is solidified, it means high risks and uncertainties for all practitioners. The e-cigarette market in the Philippines is expected to continue moving forward in turmoil. (Related reading）