Federal Agencies Seize $7M+ in Unauthorized E-Cigarettes in Miami

South Dakota HB 1069 illegal Chinese vapes

In a joint operation, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized more than 628,000 unauthorized e-cigarette products from a warehouse in Miami. The seized products, valued at over $7 million, primarily consisted of flavored, disposable e-cigarettes, including the popular Geek Bar brand.

The 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey revealed that 5.8% of current youth e-cigarette users reported using Geek Bar products, a Chinese-owned and manufactured brand. Brian King, Director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, emphasized the importance of a collaborative government approach in preventing the entry of unauthorized e-cigarettes into the United States.

The seizures resulted from warehouse sweeps conducted by Customs and Border Protection, which uncovered shipments of illegal e-cigarette products originating from China. Most of these products were intentionally misdeclared with incorrect values and descriptions unrelated to vaping products.

To date, the FDA has authorized only 34 e-cigarette products and devices, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and enforcement against the influx of unauthorized e-cigarettes into the country.

Matthew Ma
Follow