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DOJ Seize Hundreds of Thousands of Illegal Vapes Smuggled from China

Attorney General Bondi, HHS Secretary Kennedy Announce Seizure of Illicit Vaping Products. (Photo: Screenshot/U.S. Department of Justice)

By Middle Land Staff

September 11, 2025
3:13 pm
Los Angeles, CA

In one of the largest federal crackdowns on illicit vaping products to date, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has seized hundreds of thousands of unauthorized e-cigarettes smuggled from China. The multi-state operation targeted distributors and retailers across the country, signaling a sharp escalation in efforts to curb the flow of unregulated vaping products into the U.S. market. Massive Seizure in Chicago Leads Coordinated Raids Federal agents confiscated more than 600,000 flavored vapes from a distributor near Chicago, marking the largest single-site seizure of the operation. The products, many of which featured bright packaging and flavors appealing to youth, had been illegally imported from China and lacked FDA premarket authorization. In total,

Massive Seizure in Chicago Leads Coordinated Raids

Federal agents confiscated more than 600,000 flavored vapes from a distributor near Chicago, marking the largest single-site seizure of the operation. The products, many of which featured bright packaging and flavors appealing to youth, had been illegally imported from China and lacked FDA premarket authorization.

In total, enforcement actions were executed in Illinois, North Carolina, Arizona, New Jersey, Georgia, and Florida, with a focus on both distributors and retail outlets that have continued to sell unapproved vaping devices in defiance of federal regulations.

Civil enforcement actions have been filed against 10 businesses—five distributors and five retailers—for allegedly violating federal laws governing tobacco product sales. Criminal charges may follow, depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.

FDA and CBP Seize $86.5 Million in Unauthorized E-Cigarettes

In a separate but related action, the FDA and CBP announced the seizure of 4.7 million unauthorized e-cigarette devices, with a total estimated value of $86.5 million. The products were intercepted at ports and distribution centers, often arriving in shipments mislabeled to evade detection. Invoices were deliberately undervalued, and some devices were disguised as everyday consumer goods.

“These seizures represent a coordinated federal response to protect public health, especially among youth, from the dangers of illegal and unregulated vaping products,” said Brian M. Boynton, head of the DOJ’s Civil Division. “We are holding accountable those who seek to profit by flouting the law.”

Why the Crackdown?

The growing popularity of flavored vaping products among minors has sparked concern among public health officials, prompting stricter enforcement of premarket tobacco product regulations. Under U.S. law, any e-cigarette sold in the country must undergo FDA review to determine whether it poses a public health risk. Most of the devices seized in this operation never went through that process.

Beyond youth health concerns, the illegal vape trade also threatens legitimate businesses, undermines federal and state tax collection, and opens the door to potentially dangerous and unregulated substances.

Industry Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

Some small retailers and business associations have expressed concern over the scope of the crackdown, warning that it could lead to economic hardship, job losses, and disruptions in communities that rely on tobacco-related tax revenue. Nevertheless, federal agencies are signaling that this is just the beginning of a broader push to clean up the e-cigarette market.

The DOJ has not ruled out further actions, including criminal indictments, particularly in cases involving smuggling, tax fraud, or distribution to minors.

What’s Next?

Officials say they will continue to monitor online and brick-and-mortar retailers for compliance, and more enforcement actions are expected in the coming months. Consumers are urged to purchase vaping products only from verified, FDA-authorized sellers and to report suspicious activity to federal agencies.

The crackdown sends a clear message: illegal vape trafficking—especially from overseas suppliers—will not be tolerated.