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Five arrested in Tarlac, Philippines after seizure of illegal e-cigarette products

Sep.17.2025
The Philippines conducted a large-scale seizure of unregistered e-cigarettes, and five people were arrested and charged with illegally selling substandard products.

Key points:

 

·Five individuals involved in the illegal sale of unregistered e-cigarettes in the Philippines were detained by police and confiscated around 600,000 pesos (approximately $10,000) worth of e-cigarette products.

 

 

2firsts, on September 17, 2025 - According to The Chronicle's report on September 16, the National Bureau of Investigation - Tarlac Area Office (NBI-TARDO) under the leadership of retired judge Jaime B. Santiago confiscated e-cigarette products that were not registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines.

 

There have been reports that multiple e-cigarette stores are selling nicotine and non-nicotine vapor products that do not meet regulatory standards. These products are not listed on the Department of Trade and Industry - Special Task Office for Vapor Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (DTI OSMV) list, and cannot be displayed or sold publicly without obtaining the Philippine Standard (PS) quality certification mark.

 

On September 11, 2025, NBI-TARDO and DTI OSMV conducted a raid operation at three e-cigarette stores in Tarlac City and one store in Capas City, Tarlac Province. The raid resulted in the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of approximately 600,000 pesos (around $10,000) worth of e-cigarette products.

 

The suspect who was arrested on September 12 was brought before the Tarak City Prosecutor's Office and the Tarak Province Prosecutor's Office for preliminary investigation. They are accused of violating Republic Act No. 11900, specifically Section 4 of the "Steam Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Product Regulation Law.

 

References:
[1] NBI-Tarlac seizes Php600K worth of unregistered vape products
Also Read:
[1] Philippines Tax Bureau Files 75 Cases Against Illegal Vape Sellers, Liabilities Exceed $12.28 Million
[2] Philippines Customs Seizes $140,000 Worth of Black Ultra Vape Cartridges; Recipient Arrested

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