The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Philippines has conducted a successful operation in Biñan City, Laguna, resulting in the seizure of approximately Php30 million (approximately USD565,000) worth of unregistered vaping products and the arrest of three individuals.
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The operation was triggered by cybercrime monitoring efforts on social media platforms, where the NBI-Special Task Force (NBI-STF) discovered a large-scale importation, sale, and distribution of unlicensed vapor products in the regions of Cavite and Laguna.
The NBI-STF used a combination of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) to identify the individual responsible for these activities and obtained their contact information, business details, and social media accounts. A surveillance and test-buy operation was conducted at Hype VapeShop in Bacoor, Cavite, which led to an online transaction followed by a meeting in Muntinlupa City. The suspects were then lured to a storage facility in Rose Village, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, where the actual exchange was supposed to take place.
Upon arrival at the storage location, the NBI-STF agents found 40,500 pieces of unregistered vape products with an estimated value of Php31,995,000 and 3,880 pieces of vape pods worth Php640,200. The three suspects, Kert Lester Simbajon, Javer Dirampatun, and Romeo Cada, were apprehended and are facing charges under Section 4(d) and 18 of Republic Act No. 11900, which is the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, and Section 8 of R.A. No. 11900 in relation to R.A. No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
This operation underscores the NBI's commitment to enforcing the law against the trade of unregistered and untaxed goods, particularly those that pose health risks to the public. It is a part of the agency's broader efforts to combat cybercrime and protect consumers from the dangers associated with unregulated products. The seized goods and the individuals involved in the operation have been turned over for inquest proceedings. The case exemplifies the collaborative efforts between the NBI and other government agencies, such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in ensuring public safety and upholding the integrity of the marketplace.