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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Illegal vape sold through secret 'menu' uncovered in BIR raid

Illegal vape sold through secret 'menu' uncovered in BIR raid

Published Nov 20, 2024 01:51 am

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) raided a vape store in Quezon City for selling illicit vape products through a secret "menu.”

In a statement, BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. said the raid took place at a bodega in Tomas Morato, Quezon City, on Nov. 19 after receiving reports of the store’s illegal activities.

Lumagui himself led the inspection of the premises, where he discovered that the store displayed legal vape products while keeping the illicit products hidden in a bodega behind the store.

Customers were shown a secret "menu" of illicit vape options upon request, the BIR said.

"We raided a vape store with a secret 'menu' and bodega for illicit vape during our nationwide raid today," Lumagui stated. "The vape store displayed legal vape, but once you ask for illicit vape, they will bring the 'menu' and get the illicit vape from the bodega.”
“We know what you are doing. We will not stop raiding your stores. We will continue with our nationwide raids. Expect criminal cases,” he added.

The BIR found that the store was selling vape products without the required internal revenue stamps and failed to issue official receipts for purchases.

Lumagui said this operation was part of a larger nationwide raid targeting illicit vape retailers.

The BIR is currently consolidating information on all seized products and raided establishments from the operation and will release an update to the public when available.

Lumagui encouraged the public to continue reporting illicit vape sellers, both online and offline, by sending details to [email protected].

He added, "Report illicit vape retailers/resellers, with addresses, and the BIR will raid them. You can also report illicit vape being sold online, just provide us with the website link. All reports on illicit vape can be forwarded to [email protected]."

Related Tags

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. Illicit Vapes
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