ILLICIT. Personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) confiscated unregistered vape products valued at PHP9.1 million during a raid in Marilao, Bulacan on May 20, 2025. The CIDG announced on Thursday (May 22, 2025) that a Chinese suspect, known as Ping, was arrested in the operation. (Photo courtesy of CIDG)

MANILA – Authorities arrested a Chinese national and confiscated unregistered vape products valued at PHP9.1 million in Bulacan province. 

In a statement released Thursday, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the suspect, known as Ping, was apprehended during a joint operation by the CIDG’s Bulacan and Pampanga field units in Barangay Prenza, Marilao town, on May 20. 

During the raid, officials seized 26,000 pieces of assorted “Eutral” brand vape products. 

The suspect faces charges for violating Section 19 of Republic Act 11900 (Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation) due to the failure to register the products with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Bureau of Internal Revenue. 

Torre said, “With this confiscation in huge quantity, we significantly protect the citizens from any potential health hazards that may occur from these unregistered vape products, and we arrested the alleged seller of these illicit items.”  

He stated that the operation follows PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil’s directive to improve the effectiveness of crime prevention and resolution, and to strengthen actions against all forms of criminal activity and legal violations, including the illegal sale of vape products across the country. 

“We urge the public to report all illegal trading of any products in your localities and the CIDG will do the rest,” Torre added.

• SOURCE:

https://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1250591