The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has cracked down on a massive illegal vape operation, seizing over ₱32 million worth of unregistered vape products in a daring operation in Biñan City, Laguna.
Acting under the directive of NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), the NBI-Special Task Force (NBI-STF) apprehended three individuals: Kert Lester Simbajon, Javer Dirampatun, and Romeo Cada. The trio faces charges for violating key provisions of Republic Act No. 11900 (Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act) and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The bust was the result of weeks of cyber surveillance. NBI agents monitored social media platforms, uncovering a thriving black market operation centered on the importation and sale of unregistered vape products across Cavite and Laguna. Leveraging both open-source intelligence (OSINT) and human intelligence (HUMINT), the agents tracked down the culprits, pinpointed their operations, and obtained critical business and contact information.
A test-buy operation conducted online led agents to Hype VapeShop in Bacoor, Cavite. There, an undercover agent successfully transacted with one of the suspects, confirming that the shop was selling vape products without proper DTI registration or BIR tax stamps.
The sting culminated on July 7, 2025, when NBI-STF agents, backed by personnel from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), arranged a delivery meet-up in a Muntinlupa coffee shop. The suspects led the undercover team to a discreet storage facility inside Rose Village, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Inside, authorities found a staggering 40,500 vape units valued at ₱31,995,000 and 3,880 vape pods worth another ₱640,200.
The suspects were brought in for inquest proceedings and will be facing multiple charges related to illegal trade and cybercrime. The NBI says the operation sends a clear warning to those involved in the distribution of unregistered vape products: the law is catching up, and the crackdown is far from over.