MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has confiscated an estimated P63 million worth of illegally imported and distributed vape products in three separate operations across Bulacan, Parañaque City, and Pasay City. The coordinated raids, conducted with the assistance of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), also led to the arrest of five individuals, including three foreign nationals.

The NBI-Cybercrime Division (CCD), under Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), initiated the operations after cyber patrolling uncovered widespread illicit trade of nicotine vapor products. Investigators identified individuals involved through social media and conducted undercover bulk purchases. 

On May 8, agents raided a compound in Marilao, Bulacan, seizing 85,200 pieces of salt-nicotine-based vape products. 

Subsequent operations on May 21 in Parañaque City resulted in the confiscation of 25,000 unregistered vape products and the arrest of Singaporean national Jonathan Kher Jun Xian and Thai national Natkrita Phakhinniphat. 

Further arrests were made on May 26 in Pasay City, where Mathew Francisco y Ramos, Iris Hui y Del Rosario, and Chinese national Jiang Xing were apprehended for selling unregistered vape products. Information from one of the arrested suspects led to a storage facility in Parañaque City, where an additional 72,000 unregistered vape products were seized. 

The arrested individuals face charges for violating Republic Act No. 11900 (Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act) and Republic Act No. 8424 (Tax Reform Act). 

Director Santiago commended the NBI-CCD operatives and thanked the BIR and DTI for their support, highlighting the success of combined cyber patrol, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency coordination in combating illicit trade. The arrested individuals have been presented for inquest proceedings.