The US Department Of Justice And The FDA Jointly Seized Over 2.1 Million Illegal Electronic Cigarettes And Released The List Of The Involved Enterprises.

According to the FDA's official website, on September 30th, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) jointly announced that a recent nationwide law enforcement operation targeting unauthorized sales of flavored e-cigarette products resulted in the seizure of 2.1 million illegal e-cigarette products. These products originated from 5 distributors and 6 retailers in 7 states. Some of these enterprises had previously been warned by the FDA but continued to illegally sell.
This seizure operation was carried out by agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service and the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives Bureau (ATF), and over 2.1 million illegal e-cigarette products (ENDS) were seized from 11 enterprises. The involved enterprises included: 5 distribution centers and 6 retail outlets. The operation received joint support from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the FDA.
The list of involved enterprises was made public, covering key markets in multiple states. The Department of Justice filed civil injunction and confiscation lawsuits in multiple district courts, targeting: Florida: Tampa Vapor, Rainbow Food Mart, Marathon/Food Center, Blvd Smoke Shop, UGAS/Circle K; California: Smoke House Sunset; Georgia: Strictly E-Cig; New Jersey: Center Point Distributors, Gorilla Vapes; Arizona: Vaportech Wholesale; Illinois: Midwest Distribution; North Carolina: Dream Distro. These enterprises and their managers were accused of continuing to sell tobacco products not authorized by the FDA, despite having received official warning letters.
US Attorney General Pamela Bondi said: "Most of these illegal e-cigarettes were smuggled into the country and sold near schools and military bases, posing a direct threat to teenagers and military personnel. This is not only a public health issue but also a national security issue." U.S. Marshal Service Director Gadyaces S. Serralta also emphasized: "Over 2 million products that were not approved by the FDA were successfully removed from the market. This operation demonstrates our determination to protect teenagers and rebuild a healthy America."
According to the US Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, all e-cigarettes and new tobacco products must undergo FDA pre-market review (Premarket Authorization) and obtain sales licenses before they can be sold through interstate trade. In this case, the court has issued a seizure order, authorizing the seizure of all unapproved products.