CBP Seizes $175M in Illegal Vapes Under ‘Operation Red Mist’
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in coordination with the Coast Guard and FDA, has seized more than 18 million illegal electronic nicotine delivery systems. Valued at over $175 million, this massive interception is part of “Operation Red Mist,” a targeted effort to block illicit maritime shipments originating from China.
The operation focuses on combating the illegal importation, transportation, and distribution of vapes and their hazardous components. CBP utilizes intelligence and interagency partnerships to coordinate enforcement across the entire supply chain, from pre-shipment targeting to post-seizure investigations.
During the operation, authorities discovered that smugglers employed various tactics to bypass U.S. regulations. The intercepted shipments involved:
- Misclassified and improperly labeled hazardous materials designed to avoid taxes and duties.
- Violations of strict importation requirements for tobacco products and electronic devices.
- Breaches of safety and environmental protection standards for transport.
Crucially, none of the e-cigarettes seized during Operation Red Mist possessed FDA premarket authorization. Currently, the FDA permits only 41 specific vape products for legal marketing and distribution within the United States.
CBP Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino emphasized the urgency of keeping these dangerous products away from communities, particularly youths who are frequently targeted by illicit manufacturers.
Operation Red Mist is part of an aggressive, government-wide initiative to remove unsafe devices from store shelves and weaken illicit supply networks. As the enforcer of over 400 laws for more than 40 federal agencies, CBP’s trade enforcement is vital. Intercepting these noncompliant goods not only protects public health but also disrupts revenue streams that often fund broader criminal activities.
- Read more: Chicago CBP Officers Seize Over 43,000 Illicit Vaping Products
Read more: FDA & CBP Seize $34M Illegal E-Cigarettes in Chicago - Read more: FDA and CBP Seize $76 Million Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes in Joint Operation
- Press release: Operation Red Mist: CBP, federal partners seize millions of illegal e-cigarettes in maritime cargo
Related posts:
UK Vape Taxes: What Retailers Need to Know and How to Prepare
Korea E-liquid Safety Association Holds Seminar on Tobacco Law Amendment, Raises Concerns Over Constitutionality
Philippine Urges Higher Taxes on Vapes Than Cigarettes
Philippines DTI Moves to Ban Open Pod Vape Systems
Mexico Vape Market Grows Despite Ban; Jail Terms Proposed
