What started as a tip about unregistered vape sales ended with nearly four million pesos worth of illegal products off the streets and two suspects behind bars.

National Bureau of Investigation Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.) confirmed that operatives from the NBI-Cavite North District Office moved in on Ace Dela Cruz Garcia and Reginald Ventura Llanto after learning they were distributing vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products that failed to comply with the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act (RA 11900).

A certification from the Department of Trade and Industry - Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products revealed the seized vapes were unregulated and substandard. Acting on this, the NBI and DTI launched an entrapment operation that ended on 02 July 2025 when the pair was caught in the act.

Agents recovered 49 master cases packed with 8,200 vape pods and 1,600 vape devices, with an estimated street value of P3.92 million. The suspects now face charges for violating Sections 4 (d), 12 (j) and 18 of RA 11900.

“Subjects were presented for inquest proceedings before the Parañaque City Prosecutor’s Office,” the NBI said, urging the public to remain vigilant against unregistered vape products that may pose health risks to unsuspecting users.