Authorities Seize Over 400 Boxes of Suspected Illegal Vapes in Bulacan
Photo Courtesy of Bea Pinlac/GMA Integrated News
A Thursday night raid in Marilao, Bulacan uncovered more than 400 boxes of allegedly illegal vape products, estimated to carry tax liabilities totaling P540 million. A coordinated operation by the NBI-Cybercrime Division and the BIR led to the discovery of illicit vape products stored inside a private residence.
According to BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., the vape products lacked tax stamps, making their illegality evident. He also stressed that their quality is questionable, as they were not inspected or approved by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“Malinaw na walang (tax) stamps itong mga produkto na ito kaya malinaw na illegal ang mga vape product na ito,” said BIR commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. (It is clear that the products don’t have tax stamps, so it is clear that these vape products are illegal.)
NBI Cybercrime Division Executive Officer Atty. Van Angluben revealed that their team traced the online sale of illegal vape products back to the raided residence. The operation was the result of sustained digital monitoring.
“We have been monitoring the rampant selling ng ganitong klaseng produkto. Through the small-time sellers, na-trace natin kung saan ‘yung source nitong produkto na ito,” he said. (We have been monitoring the rampant selling of these types of products. Through the small-time sellers, we traced the source of these products.)
Only a female caretaker was present during the raid, and she claimed to have no knowledge of the illegal vape products found in the garage.
“Hindi ko po alam…Ako po, wala akong alam diyan,” the caretaker answered when asked by NBI operatives about the boxes of illicit vape products stored in the garage of the house. (I don’t know…But I don’t know anything about that.)
Despite this, BIR Commissioner Lumagui stated that authorities are pursuing the property owner and those involved in selling the products. “Kakasuhan natin dahil kailangan natin ipakita na dapat hindi tayo nag-iimbak at nagbebenta ng illicit vape products,” he added. (We’re filing cases to show that illegal vape activity won’t go unpunished.)
They are set to face charges for violating the BIR tax code, including tax evasion and illegal possession of excisable goods without paying the required taxes. Officials are still tracking the origins of the illegal vapes and assessing whether other neighborhoods may also be unknowingly housing these products.
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