
Key Points:
·Law enforcement operation: Seizure of unregistered e-cigarette products worth 3.9 million pesos (approximately $70,000). Arrest of two suspects.
·Legal basis: Suspects are accused of violating RA 11900 and products were not certified and registered by DTI-SANTP.
【2Firsts news flash】According to a report from the Daily Tribune on July 4, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced the arrest of two suspects in Cavite on July 3 for allegedly selling and distributing unregistered e-cigarette products worth approximately 3.9 million pesos (approximately $70,000).

According to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) showcased products in a press conference, the confiscated illegal e-cigarette products this time included at least the Black Elite 12000 series. In September 2024, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry had suspended the sales of five e-cigarette brands, including Black Elite, for not complying with the relevant regulations in Republic Act 11900.
Director of the National Bureau of Investigation, Jaime B. Santiago, confirmed that the suspects are Ace dela Cruz Garcia and Reginald Ventura Llanto. They were arrested for violating sections 4(d), 12(j), and 18 of Republic Act No. 11900, also known as the "Nicotine Vaporization and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act."

The National Investigation Bureau's office in the Northern district of Krabi has received information regarding the alleged sale and distribution of e-cigarette products that do not meet the registration requirements of RA 11900.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry's Office of Special Authorization for Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products has confirmed that the e-cigarette products seized are unregulated and non-compliant.
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