DTI-FTEB and PNP-CIDG Joint Operation in Tondo District

Sep.10.2024

DTI-FTEB and PNP-CIDG conducted a joint operation in Manila's Tondo district, seizing an e-cigarette store for tax violations.

According to ABS CBN's report on September 9th, the Department of Trade and Industry Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (DTI-FTEB) and the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) conducted a joint operation to raid a store in the Tondo district of Manila. The store was sealed for selling e-cigarette products without internal revenue stamps.

According to a representative from the DTI, despite repeated reminders to comply with tax regulations, the store continued to openly display illegal e-cigarette products. These products, which were showcased, distributed, and sold, did not have the required internal revenue stamps indicating compliance with tax laws.

The authorities have stated that this situation not only deceives small distributors and vendors but also misleads consumers, which is why it is necessary to conduct random raids on all stores.

Law enforcement officials conducted sampling tests on the problematic products and will file lawsuits against the store owner based on Section 22-16, Article 4, Item 2c of the Departmental Administrative Order.

After the incident occurred, the shop owner refused to make any statements to the media regarding the event.

References:

[1] Authorities raid Manila store selling 'illicit vape'

Also Read:

[1] DTI Suspends Sales of 5 E-cigarette Brands in Philippines, Including LOST MARY, Chillax, SHFTDr.Freeze, Aerogin, Don Bars, Black Elite

[2] New Guidelines for Handling Seized Goods by Philippines Tax Bureau

[3] Philippine Customs Seizes 200 Marijuana E-cigarettes at Clark Port

[4] Massive Smuggling Bust by Philippine Customs Authorities in Manila

[5] Philippine Customs Seizes $33.8k Worth of E-Cigarettes in Warehouses

[6] DTI Strengthens Enforcement of E-cigarette Law to Protect Minors

[7] BIR Raid on Philippines E-Cigarette Expo: Products Seized and Taxed.

[8] BIR Blames Organizers for Illegal E-cigarette Raids at PVF

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

KT&G Nears ASF Acquisition, Preparing Wide Regional Nicotine Pouch Expansion

South Korean outlet nate reports that KT&G expects to finalize its acquisition of Nordic nicotine pouch maker ASF within this year. Beginning next year, the company plans to expand the business well beyond ASF’s current five Nordic markets to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and North America, supported by its cooperation framework with Altria.

Nov.25

Baltimore Moves to Zone Smoke Shops, Set Minimum Distance From Schools

Baltimore’s City Council in Maryland, building on recently enacted restrictions on “small box” dollar-store chains, has proposed a package of regulations for tobacco and vape retailers. The measures would create a standalone land-use category for “smoke shops,” establish distance buffers from schools and parks, limit exterior signage brightness, and schedule an informational hearing.

Oct.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai

2Firsts Observation｜VELO at Stockholm Arlanda: Travel-Centric Messaging and Full-Line Flavour Presentation

2Firsts observed at Stockholm Arlanda Airport that British American Tobacco’s VELO positions the airport environment as a core marketing scenario, deploying large-format LED displays, a full flavour matrix, and clear nicotine-strength segmentation. The brand also features an instructional “How to Use VELO” section and multi-pack sales strategy, showcasing its systematic merchandising capabilities in the Nordic travel-retail channel.

Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Product | 2× “2+10” configuration, rated 36,000 puffs — VOZOL launches NEON PLUG MAX

VOZOL has listed a new product, NEON PLUG MAX, on its official website, featuring dual 2 ml prefilled pods and dual 10 ml refill bottles (24 ml total), a claimed maximum of 36,000 puffs, and two-flavour switching. The device was previously shown at InterTabac 2025 and was listed by the UK MHRA in March 2025; however, as of publication it was not yet available on overseas retail sites.