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Philippines Seizes $70,000 Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes Involving Black Elite Products

Jul.04.2025
Philippines Seizes $70,000 Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes Involving Black Elite Products
The Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) seized unregistered e-cigarette products worth PHP 3.9 million (around $70,000) in Cavite and arrested two suspects. The products were found to be in violation of multiple provisions of the country’s Vape Regulation Law (RA 11900).

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).

 

Philippines Seizes $70,000 Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes Involving Black Elite Products
Image source: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The product depicted is Black.

 

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."

 

Philippines Seizes $70,000 Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes Involving Black Elite Products
Image source: Manila Standard

 

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.

 

References:
[1] NBI raid yields P3.9M worth of vapes
[2] NBI nabs 2 for illegal sale of vape products
Also Read:
[1] Philippine Health Department Teams Up with High School Students in Anti-Vaping Campaign
[2] DTI Suspends Sales of 5 E-cigarette Brands in Philippines, Including LOST MARY, Chillax, SHFTDr.Freeze, Aerogin, Don Bars, Black Elite

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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.

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