The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has vowed to intensify its crackdown on the proliferation of illicit vape products, with weekly raids planned to target retailers across the country.
BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. announced the aggressive stance, stating, "I have ordered weekly raids against illicit vape retailers, wherever they may be found. There would be no illicit vape smugglers without illicit vape retailers or resellers."
The commissioner's directive follows a successful nationwide raid last Oct. 16, which resulted in the closure of 408 vape retailers selling counterfeit or unregistered products.
The operation spanned various regions, including Bulacan, Manila, Quezon City, San Juan, Makati, Las Piñas, Pangasinan, Benguet, Isabela, Laguna, La Union, Pasay, Albay, Iloilo, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Butuan, Agusan del Sur, South Cotabato, Davao, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Ilocos Sur.
Common violations among the illicit retailers included the lack of internal revenue stamps and failure to register vape products with the BIR.
The exact number of vape products confiscated is still being tallied.
Lumagui said BIR is committed to protecting public health and revenue integrity through strict enforcement of tax laws.
The agency will continue to conduct regular surveillance and raids to dismantle the illicit vape trade network, Lumagui said.
Last week, Lumagui Jr. expressed frustration over the continued proliferation of illicit vapes despite repeated warnings and efforts to enforce compliance.
"The illicit vape industry has been repeatedly warned to comply with BIR regulations. Despite multiple chances, they refuse to follow the law,” Lumagui said.
The BIR has already deployed teams to investigate and apprehend individuals and businesses involved in the illegal vape trade.
“Expect regular raids. Expect criminal cases,” Lumagui warned.