MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division (CCD) arrested two foreign nationals in Parañaque City on May 21, 2025, for the illegal importation and sale of unregistered vapor products.

The NBI-CCD, led by Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), acted on a tip received May 16 regarding the online sale of illicit vape products lacking proper Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) tax stamps and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) registration. 

Following surveillance and a test-buy operation on May 19, agents confirmed the illegal activity. An entrapment operation was conducted on May 21 in Pasay City, where NBI-CCD agents received the unregistered products. 

Authorities identified the arrested individuals as Jonathan Kher Jun Xian, a Singaporean, and Natkrita Phakhinniphat, a Thai national. They face charges for violating Republic Act No. 11900, also known as the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act. The suspects underwent booking, photography, and medical examination at the NBI-CCD office.