• Photo credit: Facebook/PCADG Tagapag-Ugnay 2.0

Authorities have confiscated unregistered vape products valued at PHP9.1 million and arrested a Chinese national during a raid in Bulacan province. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) reported that the suspect, identified only as Ping, was apprehended on Tuesday, May 20, in Barangay Prenza I, Marilao.

CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III stated that the operation, conducted by the group’s Bulacan and Pampanga field units, followed a period of surveillance. The CIDG had received intelligence regarding the sale of vape products lacking necessary permits from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

During the Tuesday evening raid, at approximately 8:30 p.m., police seized an estimated 26,000 pieces of assorted “Eutral” brand vape products.

“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,” Maj. Gen. Torre said in a statement.

Ping now faces charges for violating Republic Act 11900, also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act. Specifically, the complaint centers on the suspect’s failure to register the seized products with both the DTI and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Torre highlighted that this operation aligns with PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil’s directive to enhance crime prevention and intensify efforts against all forms of criminality, including the illegal sale of vape products nationwide.

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