MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reported the arrest of two individuals in Parañaque City and the seizure of over P3.9 million worth of unregistered vape products during an entrapment operation.

Agents from the NBI-Cavite North District Office (CAVIDO-North), under the supervision of NBI Director Retired Judge Jaime B. Santiago, arrested suspects Ace Dela Cruz Garcia and Reginald Ventura Llanto for violating provisions of Republic Act No. 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.

The operation was launched following information received by the NBI-CAVIDO North regarding the alleged sale and distribution of vape products that failed to comply with registration requirements mandated by law.

A certification from the Department of Trade and Industry – Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (DTI-OSMV) confirmed that the vape items involved were unregulated and substandard.

Acting on the findings, NBI operatives, in coordination with DTI personnel, conducted an entrapment operation on July 2. After hours of monitoring and negotiation, the operation was consummated and the suspects were arrested.

Recovered from the suspects were 49 master cases containing 8,200 vape pods and 1,600 vape devices, among other items, with an estimated value of ₱3,920,000.00. The inventory was carried out jointly by NBI agents and DTI representatives.

Garcia and Llanto have been presented for inquest proceedings before the Parañaque City Prosecutor’s Office.