Bulacan: The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) operatives have arrested two individuals and seized from them PHP45 million worth of unregistered vape products in Bulacan.
According to Philippines News Agency, CIDG acting Director Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz identified the arrested suspects as 'Rhizmel' and 'Anne,' business partners allegedly engaged in the illegal sale and distribution of unregistered vape products without the required permits and authority from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Macapaz stated that through a search warrant, the suspects were arrested by operatives of the CIDG Northern District Field Unit at Lucas St. and Topaz St., Carpa Road, Sabang, Baliwag, Bulacan on Thursday night.
Seized during the operation were 140 boxes of various vaporized products (Spark Lighting, Elite 15000, Royal Purple, Oxva, Boss V00M-01, and Premium Boss Greek), 23 boxes of Spark Pods, 98 boxes of Spark Pod Juice, 104 boxes of Spark Pod Refills, several acknowledgment receipts and delivery forms, and one CCTV unit, with a total estimated value of PHP45 million.
The National Prosecutor's Office filed complaints against the suspects for violation of Section 19 of Republic Act 11900 (Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation) for failure to register the products with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
Macapaz noted that the state protects and promotes the people's right to health and instills health consciousness as the government regulates the importation, manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, their devices, and vape products to promote a healthy environment.
He commended the CIDG Northern District Field Unit for its accomplishment.
'Rest assured that your CIDG is unyielding in its fight against all forms of criminalities and violations of laws and steadfast in implementing the laws for everyone, local or foreign national. We urge the public to report all illegal trading of any products in your localities, and the CIDG will do the rest,' said Macapaz.
