Almost P3M worth e-cigarettes, e-liquids, accessories seized in Baguio City

Baguio City, Philippines – Smoke-Free Task Force composed of the Health Services Office (HSO) and Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) seized almost P3 million worth of electronic cigarettes, vape liquids, and accessories in Baguio City shops from February 7 to 16.

Vaping has become a growing problem among our youth with many who are attracted to its flavors and the perception that it is a safer alternative to smoking. However, the truth is far from it. Vaping has been linked to serious health problems such as lung damage and in some cases, leads to death, reiterated City Mayor Benjamin Magalong during the recent Capacity Building Development and Communication Strategy Workshop on Vape Regulation.

On February 7, an estimated amount of P1 million e-cigarettes (known as vape), e-juice, and e-cigarette paraphernalia were confiscated by the task force at Tam-awan, Pinsao Proper, according to the City Public Information Office.

The student-owner was selling without a business permit and failed to secure a special permit to sell tobacco/ENDS products, among other violations.

On February 15, almost P800,000 worth of seven boxes of assorted vape pods, juices, and paraphernalia were seized from two vape shops in Mabini and Montinola.

On February 16, a social media user tipped POSD – Baguio City, resulting in the confiscation of 76 pieces of vape, 253 paraphernalia, and 118 vape juices from Linton Vape Shop; 1,115 assorted vape juices and 128 accessories from Cloud Session; and some 491 pods, devices, and paraphernalia from 1972 Vape Shop. Seized items amount to almost P1.2 million.

The items were brought to Smoke-Free Office in the city and will be turned over to the Department of Trade and Industry.

The operations are in line with the continued implementation of City Ordinance No. 34, Series of 2017, or the Smoke-Free Baguio Ordinance.

Also, these are in accordance with Republic Act 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulations Act, RA 11467 which mandates regulation of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and FDA Advisory 2022-1069 which bans the distribution, importation, manufacturing, sale, offer for sale and online retail of flavored liquid refill solutions other than tobacco and menthol flavor for vapor products starting May 25, 2022, explained Baguio City PIO.

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