Five arrested in Tarlac, Philippines after seizure of illegal e-cigarette products

Sep.17
The Philippines conducted a large-scale seizure of unregistered e-cigarettes, and five people were arrested and charged with illegally selling substandard products.

Key points:

 

·Five individuals involved in the illegal sale of unregistered e-cigarettes in the Philippines were detained by police and confiscated around 600,000 pesos (approximately $10,000) worth of e-cigarette products.

 


 

2firsts, on September 17, 2025 - According to The Chronicle's report on September 16, the National Bureau of Investigation - Tarlac Area Office (NBI-TARDO) under the leadership of retired judge Jaime B. Santiago confiscated e-cigarette products that were not registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines.

 

There have been reports that multiple e-cigarette stores are selling nicotine and non-nicotine vapor products that do not meet regulatory standards. These products are not listed on the Department of Trade and Industry - Special Task Office for Vapor Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (DTI OSMV) list, and cannot be displayed or sold publicly without obtaining the Philippine Standard (PS) quality certification mark.

 

On September 11, 2025, NBI-TARDO and DTI OSMV conducted a raid operation at three e-cigarette stores in Tarlac City and one store in Capas City, Tarlac Province. The raid resulted in the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of approximately 600,000 pesos (around $10,000) worth of e-cigarette products.

 

The suspect who was arrested on September 12 was brought before the Tarak City Prosecutor's Office and the Tarak Province Prosecutor's Office for preliminary investigation. They are accused of violating Republic Act No. 11900, specifically Section 4 of the "Steam Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Product Regulation Law.

 

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

Jordan Intercepts Major Tobacco Smuggling Cases, Seizes Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes and Cigars
Jordan Intercepts Major Tobacco Smuggling Cases, Seizes Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes and Cigars
A Jordan Customs spokesperson said the Anti-Smuggling Directorate, working with security agencies, has dismantled two smuggling operations, seizing 13,100 cartons of illicit cigarettes along with large quantities of e-cigarettes, e-liquids, waterpipe tobacco and smoking accessories. All items have been placed under custody pending further legal action.
Sep.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Interview with Germany’s BfTG: 40% of Market Lost to Illicit Trade, Industry Calls for Smarter Regulation
Interview with Germany’s BfTG: 40% of Market Lost to Illicit Trade, Industry Calls for Smarter Regulation
At the InterTabac trade show in Dortmund, Philip Drögemüller, Managing Director of Germany’s Smoke-Free Alliance (BfTG), spoke with 2Firsts. He said Germany’s vaping market still has substantial potential, but the industry faces policy uncertainty and compliance pressure. The association urges companies to operate compliantly and to shift from disposable products to rechargeable systems as early as possible to prepare for the structural adjustments brought by the EU battery rules in 2027.
Sep.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Research Brief | Canadian Study Finds Nickel, Chromium, and Lead Particles in Cannabis Vapes, Some Exceed International Limits
Research Brief | Canadian Study Finds Nickel, Chromium, and Lead Particles in Cannabis Vapes, Some Exceed International Limits
This study, published in Scientific Reports and conducted by a Canadian research team, investigated metal particle contamination in cannabis vape liquids. The analysis of six legal products revealed that all samples contained metals such as aluminum, nickel, and zinc, with some concentrations exceeding pharmacopeial limits. Simulated vaping experiments showed that these particles can enter the aerosol and be inhaled, with the primary source being the hardware components of the devices. The autho
Sep.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Hartlepool Convenience Store has Alcohol License Revoked for Illegally Selling e-Cigarettes and Tobacco to Minors
Hartlepool Convenience Store has Alcohol License Revoked for Illegally Selling e-Cigarettes and Tobacco to Minors
A convenience store in Hartlepool, England, had its alcohol sales licence revoked for illegally selling e-cigarettes and tobacco to minors, and the new licence holder has taken remedial measures.
Sep.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
France bans oral nicotine products; BAT and Philip Morris slam “counterproductive” move, health groups applaud
France bans oral nicotine products; BAT and Philip Morris slam “counterproductive” move, health groups applaud
France has banned producing, importing, distributing, and consuming oral nicotine products (e.g., nicotine pouches, gum) without parliamentary debate or multi-stakeholder consultation. This has sparked strong opposition from firms like British American Tobacco France and Philip Morris France, which argue it contradicts EU discussions, deprives smokers of reduced-harm alternatives, and lacks scientific basis. However, anti-smoking group Alliance Contre le Tabac hails it as a "victory" for public
Sep.08
Company | PMI Survey: 60% of U.S. Voters Support a “New Path” for Tobacco Control, Backing Policies that Encourage Switching to Lower-Risk Alternatives
Company | PMI Survey: 60% of U.S. Voters Support a “New Path” for Tobacco Control, Backing Policies that Encourage Switching to Lower-Risk Alternatives
An article on Philip Morris International’s (PMI) website indicates that U.S. likely voters generally hold reserved or negative views of the FDA’s performance on public health and tobacco regulation, with only about 36% expressing approval. Two nationwide polls show that more than six in ten respondents support reducing smoking rates through new approaches rather than relying solely on higher taxes and restrictions; over half support policies that encourage adult smokers to switch to non-combust
Sep.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai