During a weeklong operation in September, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized more than 2.3 million vape devices and cartridges and more than 100 weapons in the government’s effort to remove dangerous and illegal vaping substances such as synthetic marijuana, 7-OH and Kratom from communities across the United States.
“This operation underscores our commitment to protecting Americans from dangerous, deadly and illegal substances that threaten public safety and national security,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole in a news release. “Illegal vape products pose hidden risks—especially to young people who often have no idea what these chemicals are that they are inhaling. By removing these products from our communities, we are taking decisive action to safeguard health, disrupt criminal networks and prevent harm before it occurs.”
Vaping devices were originally designed for nicotine and marketed as a cigarette alternative. However, recent data suggests a significant portion of e-cigarette sales involve illegal substances, highlighting a growing public safety and health concern, DEA said. Among these are substances such as synthetic marijuana (also known as “spice” or “k2”), synthetic cathinones (also known as “bath salts”) and hydroxymitragynine (also known as 7-OH or synthetic kratom). Many of these products feature bright packaging and imagery inspired by popular cereals, candies and snacks to appeal to young people.
According to the release, from September 15 – 19, DEA’s 23 domestic field divisions and seven foreign regions carried out coordinated enforcement actions that resulted in 106 arrests and the seizure of:
- 2, 357,755 – Vape pens and cartridges
- More than $8.5 million in currency and assets
- 115 – Firearms
Raids in Texas, Arkansas and New York uncovered numerous marijuana and THC products, cocaine, a secret tunnel used to hide illegal operations in one vape shop and weapons.
According to the release, DEA has also been investigating vape shops near military bases. Most of these shops are owned and operated by foreign nationals believed to be specifically targeting active military personnel. As a result of one joint operation, DEA and its partners seized 8,000 pounds of THC products, 70,000 marijuana plants and nearly 21,500 pounds of processed marijuana and arrested 20 people, including three Chinese nationals.
Operation Vape Trail is part of a larger collaborative enforcement effort between the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).