The Bureau of Internal Revenue-Davao has destroyed more than 4,000 illicit vape products seized during law enforcement operations against several vape retail shops in the region.

Up to 4,620 bottles and devices of illicit vape products were confiscated by BIR from different retailers across the region. Most of the confiscated items were imported or sourced from other countries and were distributed to retailers without undergoing proper importation and tax processes.

BIR said the violations included the non-affixture of internal revenue stamps, non-payment of excise taxes, and non-registration of vape brands.

BIR added that the products seized represent an estimated P1.5 million in excise tax revenues that should have been collected by the government. The total potential revenue loss has reached around P4.5 million with compromised penalties included.

The confiscated items were destroyed at a waste management facility in Barangay Lasang, Davao City.

“By ensuring that these items are permanently removed from circulation, we reaffirm our dedication to justice and accountability. At the same time, we would prevent the proliferation of untaxed products that bleeds the government of the necessary revenues,” BIR Revenue Region 19-Davao Region Director, Narciso Laguerta, said.

BIR said aside from strict law enforcement, the agency also emphasized public health concerns, and urged consumers to ensure that the products they purchase have proper tax stamps and have complied with tax requirements.

“Excise tax natin meron ho tayong strip na inilalagay doon sa mismong product. So, makikita niyo doon na bayad ho ‘yun kapag may excise tax strip,” Laguerta added.