The United States is currently facing a flood of unauthorized, often flavored, disposable e-cigarettes, with the vast majority originating from manufacturing hubs in China. Despite a regulatory framework designed to control the market and protect youth, a complex and often brazen supply chain has emerged, leveraging a network of U.S.-based middlemen – including customs brokers and obscure distribution companies – to navigate import hurdles and place these illegal products onto store shelves nationwide. A deep dive into customs data, regulatory filings, and industry insights reveals a shadow economy operating in plain sight, posing significant challenges for federal enforcement agencies and public health officials alike.