The Bureau of Customs and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) seized an estimated P1 billion to P1.4 billion worth of illicit vaporized nicotine products during a raid on a warehouse in San Rafael Village, Navotas City.
Authorities confiscated about 3.17 million units of illegal vape devices and pods following a letter of authority served on March 21. The operation, triggered by intelligence gathered by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, also uncovered promotional materials such as T-shirts, jackets and lanyards featuring brands already suspended from trading.
DTI Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products assistant secretary Marcus Valdez II said several brands were suspended in 2024 for packaging violations. These infractions included failures to comply with tax-stamp placement and graphic health-warning requirements.
“The seized items will undergo condemnation proceedings to ensure they are permanently removed from circulation,” Valdez said, warning consumers to avoid unlicensed brands due to the risks posed by unregulated products.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the operation highlighted growing public trust, noting that authorities located the warehouse through information provided by an informant.
The DTI provided technical assistance during the raid to identify specific brands and determine the total value of the confiscated goods.
Both agencies said they would intensify efforts to curb the entry, distribution and sale of illicit nicotine products. Officials urged the public to remain vigilant and check the DTI website for updates on suspended and non-compliant brands.
