The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have intensified their crackdown on unregistered and substandard vape products following a major raid in Laguna last week.
More than P1 million worth of illegal e-cigarettes—consisting of counterfeit brands and smuggled goods—were confiscated during operations in Santa Rosa, Laguna. Authorities found that many of the seized products were unregistered, lacked permits, and failed to meet minimum safety requirements.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago noted that detecting illegal vape sales has become more difficult, with sellers using misleading packaging to evade enforcement. Some of the products originated overseas, while others were locally distributed through underground suppliers and online platforms.
DTI officials reiterated that legal vape products must carry the correct labels and certification. Consumers were urged to verify sellers’ licenses to avoid buying counterfeit or potentially dangerous goods.
The NBI’s cybercrime division is now monitoring online vendors, and investigations are ongoing to identify and dismantle larger smuggling operations.
Santiago added that the NBI will continue to expand inspections across Metro Manila and other areas identified as hotspots for vape smuggling and illicit sales.