The National Bureau of Investigation-Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD), under the leadership of Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), in coordination with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), confiscated an estimated ₱63 million worth of unregistered vape products in a series of operations across Marilao, Bulacan; Parañaque City; and Pasay City. The crackdown also led to the arrest of five individuals—two Filipinos and three foreign nationals—on charges of violating Republic Act No. 11900 and R.A. No. 8424.
The NBI-CCD’s continuous cyber patrols uncovered widespread illegal importation and distribution of nicotine vapor products, particularly in Marilao, Bulacan. Through online surveillance, agents identified individuals behind the illicit trade, including obtaining their social media profiles and contact information. To strengthen their case, undercover operatives posed as customers and placed large orders for the illegal products.
On May 8, 2025, NBI-CCD agents raided JP Compound III on Luke Street, Block 5, Lot 18 in Marilao, Bulacan, seizing 85,200 units of salt-nicotine-based vape products.
This was followed by a May 21 operation in Parañaque City, where agents confiscated 25,000 unregistered vape products and arrested two foreign nationals: Jonathan Kher Jun Xian, a Singaporean, and Natkrita Phakhinniphat, a Thai national.
On May 26, 2025, NBI-CCD agents conducted another operation in Pasay City, arresting Mathew Francisco y Ramos, Iris Hui y Del Rosario, and Jiang Xing, a Chinese national, for selling unregistered vape products. Following their arrest, one of the suspects disclosed the location of a storage facility in Parañaque City, which led to the discovery and confiscation of an additional 72,000 units of unregistered vape products.
NBI Director Santiago lauded the efforts of the NBI-CCD agents and extended his appreciation to the BIR and DTI for their crucial support. He emphasized that the success of these operations highlights the effectiveness of the Bureau’s integrated strategy involving cyber surveillance, intelligence gathering, field enforcement, and strong inter-agency collaboration.
The arrested individuals have been subjected to inquest proceedings for violations of the relevant laws governing the regulation and taxation of vaporized nicotine products.