MANILA -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it confiscated illegal vape products with more than P543 million in tax liabilities from a house in Marilao, Bulacan. 

In a statement, the BIR said it seized 81,200 vape pods with the brand "Team Papa" which didn't have the mandatory BIR-issued excise stamps, in violation of the Tax Code.

The BIR said the suspects behind the entry of the illegal vape will be charged for violating Sections 258 (unlawful pursuit of business), 263 (unlawful possession or removal of articles subject to excise tax without payment of the tax), and 254 (attempt to fefeat or evade payment of taxes) of the National Internal Revenue Code.

"These criminals are now hiding in houses and villages, thinking that we cannot reach them," said BIR Commissioner Roemo Lumagui. "Think again."

The official called on Filipinos to report any suspicions of the presence of illicit vape in their communities.

"They are hiding in villages. They are hiding in residential compounds...Illicit vape criminals have no place in our homes and neighborhoods," he said. "They are a threat to the peace and quiet of our residences,” he added.

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In April, the BIR filed tax evasion charges worth P8.7 billion against 3 vape brands.

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