BIR seizes P543M worth of untaxed vape pods in Bulacan

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) confiscated over 81,000 illicit vape pods amounting to more than PHP543 million in unpaid taxes.

The seizure occurred on May 8 in Marilao, Bulacan, during a joint operation with the National Bureau of Investigation.

Approximately 81,200 vape pods of the brand 'TEAM PAPA' were found in master cases inside a residential compound's garage.

These products were seized for lacking the mandatory BIR-issued excise stamps, a violation of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.

The BIR stated that the suspects behind the entry of these illegal vapes will be charged with violating specific sections of the National Internal Revenue Code related to tax evasion and unlawful possession of excisable goods.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui warned that perpetrators are using residential areas to conceal their illegal activities and urged the public to report any illicit vape operations.