Overview

• Federal officials removed more than 2.1 million unauthorized e‑cigarette products from five distributors and six retailers across seven states, with U.S. Marshals, ATF, and FDA participating in the actions.
• DOJ filed civil injunctive cases against the targeted firms and owners after inspections and undercover buys showed continued sales despite prior FDA warnings.
• DEA’s Operation Vape Trail (Sept. 15–19) reported millions of illicit devices taken off the streets, 106 arrests, and the seizure of more than 100 firearms and narcotics across 23 field divisions.
• HHS earlier announced a separate interception of 4.7 million illegal vaping products valued at an estimated $86.5 million, underscoring an expanded multi‑agency crackdown.
• Authorities say most illegal shipments trace to China and often use misleading descriptions and undervaluation to skirt duties and import safety reviews, while state operations in Louisiana and Florida have logged additional seizures and arrests.