QUEZON CITY, Philippines – In a joint operation targeting illegal activities, the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested six individuals, including a minor, for allegedly selling unregistered vape products and illegal drugs. The operation, conducted on August 15, 2025, in Brgy. Santo Cristo, Bago Bantay, Quezon City, resulted in the seizure of various illicit items with an estimated value of PhP 70,000.

According to a report from CIDG Acting Director PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano, the CIDG Anti-Transnational Crime Unit (ATCU) partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to carry out a buy-bust operation. The suspects, identified by their aliases “Charles,” “Marc,” “Steph,” “Paulyn,” “Jessa,” and the minor “Mary,” were arrested for allegedly trading and selling unregistered vape products with a cannabis flavor. The DTI confirmed that these products are unsafe and prohibited for public consumption.

During the operation, authorities said that one of the suspects, “Charles,” allegedly offered to sell “ecstasy” tablets. Upon arrest, the team also recovered three sachets of a substance believed to be “shabu.” The raid yielded a total of 13 cannabis-flavored vape products, 18 suspected ecstasy tablets, and three sachets of suspected shabu.

PBGEN Abrahano stated that the operation aligns with the government’s efforts to protect public health by regulating the sale and distribution of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products.

The arrested suspects have been charged with violations of Republic Act No. 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines), Republic Act No. 11900 (Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act), and Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). The minor suspect was turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for appropriate intervention.

PBGEN Abrahano commended the CIDG Anti-Transnational Crime Unit, stating, “We significantly protect the public, especially the youth and minors, from the potential health hazards that these vape products and dangerous drugs can cause.” He urged the public to report any illegal trading of products in their areas to assist the CIDG in their operations.