TARLAC CITY — Authorities seized unregistered vape products worth an estimated ₱600,000 and arrested five individuals in a joint operation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Tarlac.

The NBI-Tarlac District Office (NBI-TARDO), headed by Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), conducted the buy-bust operation on September 11, 2025, in coordination with the DTI–Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (OSMV).

Three vape shops in Tarlac City and one in Capas were raided after authorities received reports that non-compliant vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products were being sold and distributed. The seized products were not included in the list certified by the DTI-OSMV and did not bear the required Philippine Standard (PS) Quality Certification mark.

Officials stressed that the public display and sale of uncertified vape products remain strictly prohibited.

The arrested individuals were subjected to inquest proceedings on September 12, 2025, before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Tarlac City and the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Tarlac for violation of Section 4 of Republic Act No. 11900, or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act.