Authorities conducted a raid on an establishment purportedly operating as a milk tea shop in Baclaran, Paranaque City, only to discover it was a front for a vape store. According to a report from Bernadette Reyes aired on 24 Oras, the shop is accused of breaching several laws, including operating without a valid business permit and selling prohibited flavored vape products.
The joint operation, led by the Department of Trade and Industry- Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau and the Philippine National Police Southern Police District Special Operation Unit, resulted in the confiscation of more than a hundred boxes of vape products and related paraphernalia, estimated to be worth around P25 million. Among the confiscated items were flavored vape products, which are banned under existing regulations.
The owner of the establishment, believed to be a foreign national, may face charges for violating the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-nicotine Products Regulations Act. DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles highlighted two specific violations, namely the use of flavor descriptors appealing to minors and the presence of lanyards, which also attract young individuals.
Under Republic Act 11900, selling vape products within 100 meters of a school is prohibited. Despite this, the shop was located in close proximity to Baclaran Elementary School, raising concerns about its impact on minors.
Despite attempts to reach the shop owners for a statement, they remained elusive. The owners have been issued a notice of violation, and the DTI is considering further legal action.
DTI-FTEB Director Fhillip Sawali explained that if the prosecutor finds probable cause, formal charges will be filed, leading to adjudication.
Aside from violating the Vape Law, the shop was found to lack a valid business permit and DTI registration. The DTI had already banned the brand “Flava” in March 2024 due to its sale of flavored vape products, which are particularly enticing to younger individuals.
