The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) confiscated more than 81,000 illicit vape pods worth over PHP543 million in tax liabilities during a joint raid with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on May 8 in Marilao, Bulacan.
Authorities found 406 master cases of vape pods under the brand “TEAM PAPA” inside the garage of a residential compound. The products had no BIR-issued excise stamps, violating the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.
“Criminals engaged in illicit vape are already using houses and residential compounds to hide their illegal activities. In this house in Marilao, Bulacan we discovered 81,200 illicit vape pods with more than 540 million in tax liability, including penalties. These criminals are now hiding in houses and villages, thinking that we cannot reach them. Think again,” said BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui.
The BIR is urging the public to report illegal vape sales, including online transactions, by providing the names, exact locations, or website links of those involved.
“We call on everyone to report all forms of illicit vape. They are hiding in villages. They are hiding in residential compounds. Once reported and verified, the BIR will raid these locations and file cases against these criminals,” Lumagui added.
