WASHINGTON – The Drug Enforcement Administration seized more than 2.3 million vape devices and cartridges, more than 100 weapons, and millions of dollars in cash and assets during a week-long operation targeting illegal vaping products.
Operation Vape Trail ran September 15 through 19 and was aimed at removing dangerous and illegal vaping substances from communities across the country.
“Illegal vape products pose hidden risks—especially to young people who often have no idea what these chemicals are that they are inhaling,” said Administrator Terrance Cole. “By removing these products from our communities, we are taking decisive action to safeguard health, disrupt criminal networks, and prevent harm before it occurs.”
The DEA says vaping devices were originally designed for nicotine but now are often used for illegal substances, raising growing health and safety concerns. Many of the products come in brightly colored packaging mimicking popular snacks and candies, which officials say are meant to appeal to young people.
Among the more notable busts, agents in Galveston uncovered 70,000 THC cartridges, 30,000 packages of edibles and 11 firearms inside a home. In Laredo, investigators discovered a 25-foot-deep tunnel hidden behind a shop. The DEA says authorities found cocaine and marijuana.
The DEA said its investigation has recently expanded to shops near military bases, many of which are believed to be targeting active-duty service members. In one joint operation, officials seized 8,000 pounds of THC products, 70,000 marijuana plants and arrested 20 people, including three Chinese nationals.
