3 nabbed for P30 million unregistered vapes

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities confiscated more than P30 million worth of unregistered vape products in a raid in Biñan City, Laguna, the National Bureau of Investigation reported yesterday.

The NBI-Special Task Force said the operation resulted in the arrest of Kert Lester Simbajon, Javer Dirampatun and Romeo Cada.

The raid stemmed from cybercrime surveillance on social media platforms where NBI agents identified an online network engaged in the sale of illegal vape products in Cavite and Laguna.

Agents of the NBI and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) seized 40,500 vape products valued at P31.9 million and 3,880 vape pods worth P640,200.

The products lacked Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps and DTI registration.