Federal agents recently conducted nationwide raids on vape retailers. They seized hundreds of thousands of illegal vaping products, which the Justice Department claims are aimed primarily at children and military personnel.
At a press conference, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “The Department of Justice is removing illicit vaping products sold across the country.” The raided locations included distributors and retailers in states like North Carolina, Arizona, Illinois, New Jersey, Georgia, and Florida.
These products are often smuggled from China, making it easier for manufacturers to bypass U.S. regulations. Many of the seized vapes come in bright colors and sweet flavors, which appeal to younger consumers. “These items frequently contain alarming amounts of nicotine, metals, and untested chemicals,” Bondi emphasized, revealing the serious health risks posed by these products.
According to a 2020 survey, nearly 30% of U.S. high school students reported using e-cigarettes. The rise in youth vaping has raised alarms among health officials, leading to stricter regulations.
The FDA has long warned about the dangers of illegal vaping products and has been sending warning letters to retailers. During this latest operation, undercover agents were involved in purchasing the illicit products, building a case against the businesses involved.
In one notable seizure, agents confiscated over 600,000 vaping products valued at more than $14 million from a distributor near several schools and a military facility. Among the flavors found were “Sad Boy” funnel cake and “Pillow Talk Ice Control” purple galaxy.
Bondi clarified that the only legal vape flavors available in the U.S. are tobacco, menthol, and cinnamon. “Many believe that other flavors are legal. They are not,” she said.
This crackdown reflects a broader concern about the vaping epidemic among youth and the push for stricter enforcement to protect public health. As these raids continue, we may see more changes in legislation around vaping products aimed at safeguarding younger audiences.
For more background on vaping regulations, you can check out the FDA’s resources.
