Two arrested for selling P10M unregistered vape products

The National Bureau of Investigation–Central Luzon Regional Office (NBI-CELRO) arrested two individuals on 5 August 2025 for selling unregistered vape products estimated at P10 million in a warehouse in Cabanatuan City.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago identified the suspects as Jan Marc De Guzman Trinidad and Marc Angelo De Guzman Trinidad.

They were caught during a buy-bust operation at Cantarilla Street near Perigola Street, Valdefuente, resulting in the seizure of 100 boxes of vapes, each containing 200 pods and 200 cartridges/batteries, along with two cellphones used in the illegal trade.

The operation was launched after reports of the illegal importation and online distribution of unregistered vapor products.

Santiago said that, based on their investigation, the items marketed under the brand "SPARK" lacked the required Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) stamps and were not registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Also, the products violated Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, for failing to display mandatory health warnings on their packaging.

Santiago commended the operation, stating that it reflects the agency’s commitment to cracking down on the illegal sale of unregulated vape products.

The suspects are now facing inquest proceedings before the Office of the City Prosecutor in San Fernando, Pampanga.