Philippine NBI Seizes $150,000 Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes, Arrests 5 Suspects

Jul.07

The Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has cracked down on an illegal e-cigarette sales operation in Manila, arresting five suspects for selling unregistered products via social media. Authorities seized more than 25,000 e-cigarette items valued at over $150,000.

Key Points:

·Law enforcement operation: The Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Trade and Industry conducted a joint entrapment operation, successfully capturing five members of a criminal group.

·Illegal methods: The suspects were selling unregistered e-cigarette products through a Facebook page "port2pasok." Amount involved: 25,653 e-cigarettes were seized, with a market value of approximately 8.16 million pesos (around 150,000 USD).

·Legal basis: Violation of Republic Act No. 11900 and the Cybercrime Prevention Act, among other laws.

·Follow-up actions: The suspects are in NBI custody and the case has been transferred to the Manila City Prosecutor's Office for investigation.

According to a report by the Daily Tribune on July 7th, the NBI agents in the National Capital Region arrested five suspects involved in the illegal sale and distribution of e-cigarette products in Santa Cruz, Manila.

The suspect has been accused of using social media, particularly through the Facebook.com and port2pasok pages, to distribute e-cigarette products that have not been approved by the government. This violates Republic Act No. 11900 (Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Vapor Products Regulation Act). Subsequently, a special agent from the National Bureau of Investigation conducted a test purchase and confirmed that these items were not registered with the Department of Trade and Industry.

On June 27, 2025, the special agent made another test purchase through a Facebook page, resulting in the purchase of more unregistered items, including products labeled as "Haze," "Astra," and "Black Market.

On July 3rd, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) held a joint press conference before conducting a sting operation targeting electronic nicotine products. Five suspects were arrested in subsequent operations. Authorities seized a total of 25,653 e-cigarette products, estimated to have a market value of 8.16 million pesos (approximately $150,000).

These suspects are under investigation by the Manila City Prosecutor's Office for violating the Nicotine Vapor Products Act, Cybercrime Prevention Act, and Philippine Consumer Act.

They are currently still being detained in the security management department of the National Investigation Bureau.

References:

[1] NBI busts online vape sellers, confiscates 25,000 items

Also Read:

[1] Philippines Seizes $70,000 Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes Involving Black Elite Products

[2] Philippine Health Department Teams Up with High School Students in Anti-Vaping Campaign

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Russian State Duma passes first reading of bill to ban tobacco and e-cigarette sales at public transport stops

Russia's State Duma passes first reading of bill banning tobacco and e-cigarette sales at public transport stops. (20 words)

Oct.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Ohio Appeals Court Upholds Dismissal of Lawsuit Against E-Cigarette Retailer, Deepening State-Federal Regulatory Dispute

Ohio Appeals Court Rejects State Attorney General's Lawsuit Against E-Cigarette Retailer, Emphasizing FDA Regulatory Authority.

Oct.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Elf Bar Parent iMiracle to Pull Flavored Vapes From California, Ending Altria Unit NJOY Lawsuit

China’s e-cigarette maker iMiracle, parent company of the Elf Bar brand, has agreed to halt sales of all flavored vaping products in California as part of a settlement with Altria Group’s e-cigarette unit, NJOY LLC, marking the end of a nearly two-year legal dispute.

Oct.13

From Partnership to Acquisition: Why KT&G Is Betting on the Global Nicotine Pouch Market

As global competition in the nicotine pouch market accelerates, Korea’s tobacco major KT&G has moved with a “Partnership + Acquisition” strategy, teaming up with Altria to acquire Nordic pouch maker Another Snus Factory (brand “LOOP”). Why deploy capital now, and why take this route? Drawing on company disclosures, regulatory monitoring and on-site observations from InterTabac Dortmund, 2Firsts analyzes KT&G’s strategic calculus and the signals behind this move.