Key Points:
1.The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines announced on its official website that the Cybercrime Division (CCD) conducted three joint operations in May 2025, resulting in the seizure of smuggled e-cigarettes valued at a total of 63 million pesos (approximately 1.13 million US dollars).
2.This case is being led by Director Jaime Santiago, in collaboration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
3.Law enforcement arrested five individuals, including Chinese, Singaporean, and Thai citizens, as well as two Filipinos, for violations of RA 11900 and RA 8424 laws.
4.The suspect organized distribution through online platforms and hid large quantities of unregistered products in warehouses. The case has been transferred to relevant authorities for further investigation.
According to an announcement posted on the official website of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines, the NBI Cybercrime Division (CCD) seized smuggled e-cigarette products worth 63 million pesos (1.13 million US dollars) in three separate operations.
The announcement stated that the series of operations, led by Customs Commissioner Jaime B. Santiago, received assistance from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). During the third operation in Marilao, Bulacan Province, Parañaque City, and Pasay City, the CCD confiscated a significant amount of illegally imported and distributed e-cigarette products, estimated to be worth 63 million Philippine pesos.
This series of operations also led to the arrest of two Filipinos and three foreigners for violating Republic Act No. 11900 (Act on the Importation, Manufacture, Sale, Packaging, Distribution, Use, and Dissemination of Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products and Novel Tobacco Products) and Republic Act No. 8424 (Tax Reform Act).
The announcement stated that CCD discovered during online patrols that there was a large-scale import, sale, and distribution of illegal nicotine e-cigarette products in Marilao, Bulacan Province. After identifying the suspects through technical means, CCD obtained their contact information and social media accounts involved in the illegal import and distribution of products. In order to gather evidence and further infiltrate the operation, undercover buyers purchased a large quantity of illegal products.
On May 8, 2025, CCD law enforcement officers conducted an operation in Marilao, Bulacan province, and discovered and seized 85,200 e-cigarette products containing nicotine salts.
On May 21, 2025, CCD enforcement officers seized 25,000 unregistered e-cigarette products in Paranak City. The operation also led to the arrest of two foreigners, Jonathan Kher Junxian from Singapore and Natkrita Phakhinniphat from Thailand.
On May 26, 2025, CCD enforcement officers in Pasig City apprehended Filipino nationals Mathew Francisco Ramos, Iris Hui Del Rosario, and Chinese national Jiang Xing for possession of unregistered e-cigarette products. One of the suspects revealed the location of their warehouse in Parañaque City, leading to the seizure of 72,000 units of unregistered e-cigarette products.
CCD enforcement officers confiscated over 180,000 e-cigarette products in three separate operations.
Notice
1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.
2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.
Copyright
This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.
This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.
