GUIGUINTO, Bulacan – A joint operation by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has resulted in the confiscation of more than 18,000 illegal vape products and counterfeit tax stamps from two vape establishments in Guiguinto, Bulacan. The raid, conducted on May 30, also uncovered a tax deficiency estimated at ₱36.51 million, including ₱3.49 million in unpaid excise taxes.

The operation stemmed from surveillance of the stores’ online sales activities via Facebook, which confirmed their engagement in selling unregulated vape products. Authorities raided a vape lounge acting as a front for underground distribution and a makeshift warehouse in a residential house.

Among the seized items were 4,789 units of salt nicotine and 14,022 conventional vape products, along with counterfeit disposable vapes and fake internal revenue excise stamps.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. issued a stern warning, emphasizing that these illicit vape products pose serious health risks, particularly to the youth, due to the lack of proper regulation and safety standards. He highlighted the scale of the seizure, noting that the 18,811 units could potentially supply thousands of underage users for an extended period.

“These aren’t just tax violations—they are threats to the health of our children. That’s why we’re going after illicit traders, whether they operate in public markets or hide behind Facebook accounts and residential homes,” Lumagui stated.

The BIR is preparing multiple criminal charges under the National Internal Revenue Code and Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code (Falsification of Commercial Documents) against the store owners, employees, and online sales agents involved.

Lumagui also urged the public to report any suspected illicit vape operations in their neighborhoods, reiterating the BIR’s commitment to stop illegal trade both online and onsite. The BIR noted a significant surge in excise tax collections from vape products following the implementation of its digital stamp verification system last year, with collections jumping from ₱223.75 million in 2023 to ₱942 million after the system’s rollout in June 2024.