According to a report on GMA Online News on April 24, a milk tea shop in the Barangay Balacran area of Parañaque City, Philippines was raided by authorities for allegedly engaging in multiple illegal activities. The shop, which was actually an e-cigarette store, was located near a school and its illegal activities included operating without a business license and selling prohibited flavored e-cigarettes.
According to reporter Bernadette Reyes of "24 Oras," the Department of Trade and Industry, in partnership with the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau and the Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police Southern Police District, seized e-cigarettes and accessories worth around 26 million pesos (approximately 152,000 USD) in a recent operation. The confiscated e-cigarettes included various flavored products designed to appeal to minors, such as cappuccino, grape, mango, and watermelon.
The store owner, who is a foreign national, is currently facing charges of violating the Vaping Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act. This law prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes within 100 meters of a school, and the store is located just a few steps away from Barack Obama Elementary School.
During a visit to the store on the second day of GMA's comprehensive news coverage, attempts were made to obtain a statement from the owner, who was still not present. Currently, the owner has received a violation notice and is required to provide an explanation for their actions. The Department of Trade and Industry is researching potential charges related to this violation.
Philip Saville, Director of Trade and Industry Ministry and Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau, stated that if prosecutors determine there is a possibility of criminal activity, they will officially file charges and submit the case to the arbitration department for processing. In addition, the shop is also accused of operating without a business license and registration with the Trade and Industry Ministry.
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