The joint operation conducted by the Southern Police District Special (SPD) Operations Unit and the Department of Trade and Industry - Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (DTI-FTEB) against two establishments in Pasay City resulted in the confiscation of illegal vape products on Tuesday.
The operation was part of an extensive case build-up and surveillance by the aforementioned departments on the selling of illegal vape products. On the supposed day of the test buy, the retailer blocked the operatives, leading them to follow a suspected rider and locate their targeted areas.
In coordination with the DTI, they were able to search the establishments located along J. Silva corner in Aurora Street and Barangay 102 in Pasay City. Upon discovery, operatives identified a makeshift warehouse where the products were stored.
An inventory was performed by operatives leading to the confiscation of 9,359 pieces of different variants of Flava vape products as evidence. Its total estimated market value amounted to more than Php 5 million
According to operatives, products were sold online through message chains passed onto interested buyers, which are mostly minors.
The DTI and SPD are currently investigating the people behind the operation, as no one was in the area when they conducted the search.
Furthermore, the two establishments were found to be in violation of Republic Act 11900, Section 9, or the sales regarding vape products within a 100-meter radius from any point of perimeter frequented by minors, and Section 1 of the Department Administrative Order No. 22-16, Series of 2022.
Barangay officials from the said areas were both present throughout the course of investigation.
The confiscated products are currently in custody of the DTI-FTEB. Offenders would be imposed a fine of P100,000.
