Editor’s Note:
Recently, the Philippines’ National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has intensified its crackdown on the illegal e-cigarette market, launching a series of large-scale sting operations. Since July, the NBI has successfully dismantled illegal e-cigarette distribution networks in multiple regions, arresting several suspects and seizing unregistered vape products worth millions of pesos.
On July 3, the NBI arrested two suspects in Cavite and confiscated illegal e-cigarette products, including unregistered brands such as Black Elite. The seized goods were valued at 3.9 million pesos (approximately USD 70,000).(Related reading: Philippines Seizes USD 70,000 Worth of Illegal Vapes Involving Black Products)
On July 7, NBI agents arrested five suspects in Santa Cruz, Manila, for allegedly distributing e-cigarettes illegally through social media platforms. The seized products were valued at over 8.16 million pesos (approximately USD 150,000).(Related reading: Philippine NBI Seizes $150,000 Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes, Arrests 5 Suspects)
On July 8, the NBI cracked a major smuggling case in Laguna Province, confiscating illegal e-cigarettes and accessories worth over 32 million pesos (approximately USD 580,000) and arresting three suspects.
These cases demonstrate the Philippine government’s determination to strictly enforce Republic Act No. 11900 and related regulations. As enforcement efforts intensify, the crackdown on illegal vape trade continues to escalate, and market regulation is becoming increasingly stringent.
[2Firsts News Flash] According to Manila Bulletin on July 8, the NBI arrested three suspects in Laguna Province during a sting operation and seized unregistered e-cigarette products worth over 32 million pesos (approximately $580,000).
NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago said agents from the NBI Special Task Force (NBI-STF) apprehended the suspects in a warehouse in Biñan City, Laguna Province.
The confiscated items included 40,500 e-cigarette products worth 32 million pesos (approx. $570,000) and 3,880 vape pods valued at 640,000 pesos (approx. $10,000).
According to the NBI, the arrested individuals have been charged by the Biñan City Prosecutor’s Office for violating Sections 4(d) and 18 of Republic Act No. 11900, the “Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act,” as well as Section 8 of Republic Act No. 11900 in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.”
Santiago added that the NBI utilized open-source intelligence (OSINT) and human intelligence (HUMINT) to identify those responsible for these illegal activities.
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