NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
P32 Million In Unregistered Vape Products Seized In Laguna As NBI Cracks Down On Illegal Trade
Photo credit: NBI
In a major operation led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), more than ₱32 million worth of unregistered vape products were seized in Biñan City, Laguna, as part of a broader campaign to regulate the growing vape industry in the Philippines.
The raid was conducted by the NBI-Special Task Force (NBI-STF) under the directive of NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), who has ordered intensified efforts against the illegal sale and distribution of vaporized nicotine products. The operation culminated in the arrest of three individuals: Kert Lester Simbajon y Abonales, Javer Dirampatun y Macarampat, and Romeo Cada y Obefias. They now face multiple charges for violating provisions of Republic Act No. 11900 — the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act — as well as cybercrime-related offenses under Republic Act No. 10175.
The investigation began with cyber surveillance conducted by the NBI-STF across various social media platforms. Using both Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT), agents traced the online sale and distribution of illegal vape products in the provinces of Cavite and Laguna. Through digital tracking and a series of undercover transactions, the team was able to identify key players behind the operation.
An online test-buy operation was carried out at “Hype VapeShop,” located in Bacoor, Cavite. The transaction confirmed the establishment’s involvement in selling unregistered vape products without the necessary tax stamps from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) certification. The seller then agreed to meet the undercover buyer in Muntinlupa City to deliver the products.
On July 7, 2025, NBI agents—joined by representatives from the DTI—conducted a follow-up operation at the agreed meeting place. The suspects led the agents to a storage facility in Rose Village, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, where they presented a large inventory of vape products. Authorities recovered approximately 40,500 vape units valued at ₱31,995,000 and 3,880 vape pods worth ₱640,200.
Following the operation, the suspects were presented for inquest proceedings for violations of Sections 4(d) and 18 of R.A. 11900, and Section 8 of the same law in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
This latest crackdown underscores the NBI’s commitment to curbing the proliferation of unregulated vape products, which pose both legal and public health risks. With the rise in online sales of such items, authorities are ramping up their surveillance and enforcement efforts to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
The raid was conducted by the NBI-Special Task Force (NBI-STF) under the directive of NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), who has ordered intensified efforts against the illegal sale and distribution of vaporized nicotine products. The operation culminated in the arrest of three individuals: Kert Lester Simbajon y Abonales, Javer Dirampatun y Macarampat, and Romeo Cada y Obefias. They now face multiple charges for violating provisions of Republic Act No. 11900 — the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act — as well as cybercrime-related offenses under Republic Act No. 10175.
The investigation began with cyber surveillance conducted by the NBI-STF across various social media platforms. Using both Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT), agents traced the online sale and distribution of illegal vape products in the provinces of Cavite and Laguna. Through digital tracking and a series of undercover transactions, the team was able to identify key players behind the operation.
An online test-buy operation was carried out at “Hype VapeShop,” located in Bacoor, Cavite. The transaction confirmed the establishment’s involvement in selling unregistered vape products without the necessary tax stamps from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) certification. The seller then agreed to meet the undercover buyer in Muntinlupa City to deliver the products.
On July 7, 2025, NBI agents—joined by representatives from the DTI—conducted a follow-up operation at the agreed meeting place. The suspects led the agents to a storage facility in Rose Village, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, where they presented a large inventory of vape products. Authorities recovered approximately 40,500 vape units valued at ₱31,995,000 and 3,880 vape pods worth ₱640,200.
Following the operation, the suspects were presented for inquest proceedings for violations of Sections 4(d) and 18 of R.A. 11900, and Section 8 of the same law in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
This latest crackdown underscores the NBI’s commitment to curbing the proliferation of unregulated vape products, which pose both legal and public health risks. With the rise in online sales of such items, authorities are ramping up their surveillance and enforcement efforts to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Jul 8, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
