Daily Tribune
VARIOUS illegal goods inside a warehouse in Valenzuela City — including vape-related products, machinery, electronic devices and pharmaceutical products — are seized by authorities during an operation by the Bureau of Customs in close coordination with the Philippine National Police.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BUREAU OF CUSTOMS
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) arrested two vendors and seized unauthorized electronic cigarette products worth approximately P45,500 during an intelligence‑driven operation in Tondo, Manila on Sunday.
Acting on verified reports, personnel of the Manila Police District’s Special Mayor’s Reaction Team (SMaRT) launched the operation along Delpan Street, Barangay 16, Zone 2, after surveillance confirmed persistent illegal trade of unregulated vape products in the area.
The two 29‑year‑old vendors were arrested for alleged violation of Section 19 of Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non‑Nicotine Products Regulation Act, after failing to present any permits or legal authority to possess or sell regulated vape items.
Confiscated from the suspects were 120 XBLACK vape pods, 30 DRIFT pods, six XPHANTOM pods, and seven XPRIVE pods, all valued at P45,500.
Appropriate charges are being prepared for inquest proceedings before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila.
NCRPO regional director P/Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin stressed that the operation reflects NCRPO’s firm stance against the unlawful sale of regulated consumer products.
He emphasized that violations involving unauthorized vape products are not minor infractions but direct threats to public health and consumer protection.
