Authorities from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confiscated more than 18,000 illegal vape products and counterfeit tax stamps in a joint operation against two vape stores in Guiguinto, Bulacan.
Val Gonzales reported that the raid was conducted following a surveillance operation that monitored the stores' online sales activities through Facebook. Authorities then confirmed that the stores were engaged in selling unregulated vape products.
Among the items seized from the two establishments were 4,789 units of salt nicotine and 14,022 conventional vape products.
Counterfeit disposable vapes and fake internal revenue excise stamps were also discovered during the operation.
BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. warned that these illegal vape products pose serious health risks to consumers, especially the youth, due to the lack of proper regulation and safety standards.
According to BIR estimates, the tax deficiency of the two vape stores amounts to approximately ₱36.51 million, including ₱3.49 million in unpaid excise taxes.
The BIR is currently preparing multiple charges against the store owners and employees involved for violations of the National Internal Revenue Code.
