MANILA – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and local law enforcement, conducted simultaneous destruction operations across the country on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, obliterating millions worth of seized illegal vape products—including smuggled e-cigarettes, counterfeit disposables, and unregistered liquids—to curb tax evasion and protect public health. The nationwide drive, dubbed “Oplan Kandado” extension, targeted warehouses and storage facilities in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and other key regions, marking a decisive step in the government’s war on illicit trade in tobacco alternatives.
BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. led the Manila leg, overseeing the crushing and incineration of over P500 million in confiscated items at a designated site in Quezon City. “These products evaded excise taxes, customs duties, and health regulations—robbing the government of revenue while endangering consumers with substandard and untaxed goods,” Lumagui stated. The destroyed haul included popular brands like Elf Bar, Lost Mary, and generic clones, many imported without proper permits or containing banned substances.
Scale and Impact of the Operation
- Total Value Destroyed: Estimated P1.2 billion nationwide (preliminary).
- Key Locations: Manila (P500M+), Cebu (P300M), Davao (P200M), others.
- Items: Disposable vapes, refill pods, nicotine liquids, counterfeit packaging.
- Method: Mechanical crushing followed by safe incineration to prevent resale.
The crackdown stems from intensified joint ops since mid-2025, following reports of rampant smuggling via misdeclared shipments and online sales. Health advocates praised the move, citing risks from unregulated vapes—high nicotine levels, heavy metals, and flavorings linked to lung injuries. “This protects our youth from addictive, illegal products,” said Dr. Tony Leachon of the Philippine College of Physicians.
Lumagui vowed continued raids: “We will not stop until the market is clean of these illicit goods.” The revenue loss from vape tax evasion is pegged at billions annually, with funds meant for health programs under the Sin Tax Law.
As the holidays fuel gifting and parties, this destruction sends a stern message: In the fight against fakes, the BIR’s hammer falls hard—crushing contraband to safeguard revenue and respiratory health alike.
Operation Snapshot:
| Region | Estimated Value Destroyed (P Million) |
|---|---|
| Metro Manila | 500+ |
| Cebu | 300 |
| Davao | 200 |
| Others | 200 |
| National Total | ~1,200 |