Philippines Seizes $80M in Illegal Vapes Over 10 Months

Nov.19.2024
Philippines Seizes $80M in Illegal Vapes Over 10 Months
The Philippines Bureau of Customs seized approximately $86.5 million worth of vapes during enforcement operations in the first ten months of 2024.

The Philippines Bureau of Customs announced that its ongoing crackdown on smuggled e-cigarette products resulted in the seizure of items valued at $86.5 million during the first ten months of 2024, the Manila Times reported on November 19.

 

Recent operations included the confiscation of disposable vapes worth $220,000 in Laguna province and various e-cigarette devices, pods, and disposable products valued at $110,000 in Quezon City, Manila.

 

"These operations highlight the BOC's unwavering determination to dismantle the illicit networks behind vape smuggling and the continuous strengthening of its enforcement capabilities," Customs Chief Bienvenido Rubio said.

 

He also added that the agency works closely with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and enforcement and intelligence units to do its job.

 

"With the support of enhanced intelligence-sharing, the BOC remains vigilant in addressing emerging trends in illicit trade," Rubio said.

 

Lower Saxony State in Germany Expands Smoking Ban to E-Cigarettes
Lower Saxony State in Germany Expands Smoking Ban to E-Cigarettes
The state parliament of Lower Saxony, Germany, has passed a new law extending existing public smoking bans to include e-cigarettes and cannabis vaporizers. The legislation was introduced by the Social Democrats and Greens, with support from the Christian Democrats.
May.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Bans Disposable E-Cigarettes Starting in June, Rechargeable Devices Still Legal
UK Bans Disposable E-Cigarettes Starting in June, Rechargeable Devices Still Legal
From June, the UK bans disposable e-cigarettes, worth 15,000 pounds seized in Liverpool to combat underage sales.
Jul.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Pakistani Court Criticizes Police Raids on Vape Shops: No Enforcement Without Legislation
Pakistani Court Criticizes Police Raids on Vape Shops: No Enforcement Without Legislation
The Lahore High Court in Pakistan dismissed over 100 petitions from e-cigarette distributors but ruled that no enforcement actions can be taken before formal legislation is enacted. The court emphasized the constitutional right to conduct business and questioned the legality of police raids carried out without a legal basis.
Jul.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russian State Duma Health Committee Calls for Full Ban on Domestic E-Cigarette Production and Sales
Russian State Duma Health Committee Calls for Full Ban on Domestic E-Cigarette Production and Sales
Sergei Leonov, Chair of the Russian State Duma Health Committee, has publicly called for a nationwide ban on the production and sale of e-cigarettes. Although sales to minors are already prohibited, underage use remains a concern.
May.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysian Ministry of Health Forms Special Committee to Tackle Student Vaping Abuse
Malaysian Ministry of Health Forms Special Committee to Tackle Student Vaping Abuse
The Malaysian Ministry of Health has established a special committee to investigate the misuse of e-cigarettes among students and to evaluate the implementation of the Public Health (Control of Smoking Products) Act 2024. The minister emphasized that regulations will be driven by evidence.
May.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | HQD Launches 2-in-1 Switchable Flavor Vape with 35,000 Puffs and 10 Flavor Combos
Product | HQD Launches 2-in-1 Switchable Flavor Vape with 35,000 Puffs and 10 Flavor Combos
E-cigarette brand HQD has launched the GLOW AIR 35K, featuring a 2-in-1 design with a 2+20ml e-liquid setup and 10 flavor combinations. The product is now listed on the brand’s official website but is not yet available for online purchase.
May.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai