ILLEGAL VAPES

BALIWAG, BULACAN – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested two individuals and confiscated alleged unregistered vape products valued at approximately PHP 45 million in Baliwag, Bulacan, following an intensified operation against the illegal sale of such items nationwide.

Acting on the directives of PNP Chief, POLICE GENERAL NICOLAS D TORRE III, to ensure swift and responsive police service, the CIDG Northern District Field Unit, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), implemented a search warrant on July 10, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The operation took place at No. 1257 San Lucas St. and Topaz St., Carpa Road, Sabang, Baliwag, Bulacan.

PBGEN ROMEO J MACAPAZ, Acting Director, CIDG, identified the arrested suspects as “Rhizmel” and “Anne.” The two were reportedly business partners engaged in the illegal sale and distribution of unregistered vape products without the necessary permits and authority from the DTI.

During the operation, authorities seized a substantial amount of items, including 140 boxes of various vaporized products (such as Spark Lighting, Elite 15000, Royal Purple, Oxva, Boss V00M-01, and Premium Boss Greek), 23 boxes of Spark Pods, 98 boxes of Spark Pod Juice, and 104 boxes of Spark Pod Refills. Also confiscated were several acknowledgment receipts, delivery forms, and one CCTV unit, with the total estimated value reaching PHP 45,000,000.00.

The suspects now face charges before the National Prosecution Service for violating Section 19 of Republic Act No. 11900 (Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation). The charges stem from their alleged failure to register the products with both the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

PBGEN MACAPAZ underscored the State’s commitment to protecting and promoting public health, emphasizing that the government regulates the importation, manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and devices to foster a healthy environment.

“I commend the CIDG Northern District Field Unit for this accomplishment. 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. Maraming salamat sa inyo,” PBGEN MACAPAZ stated. He assured the public that the CIDG remains “unyielding in its fight against all forms of criminalities and violations of laws and steadfast in implementing the laws for everyone, local or foreign national.” He urged the public to report all illegal trading of any products in their localities, concluding with, “We are CIDG; we will act on the difficult task immediately.”