WASHINGTON – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced the results of Operation Vape Trail, a week-long nationwide enforcement action targeting illegal substances in vape shops across the United States. From September 15–19, 2025, DEA and its federal, state, and local partners seized more than 2.3 million vaping devices and cartridges, 115 firearms, over $3.5 million in currency, and arrested 106 individuals.
“This operation underscores our commitment to protecting Americans from dangerous, deadly, and illegal substances that threaten public safety and national security,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “Illegal vape products pose hidden risks—especially to young people who often have no idea what these chemicals are that they are inhaling.”
Key enforcement results:
- Vape Pens/Cartridges Seized: 2,357,755
- Currency Seized: $3,502,905
- Assets Seized: $5,235,000
- Firearms Recovered: 115
- Arrests Made: 106
Notable seizures include:
- Laredo, TX: A 25-foot-deep tunnel was uncovered behind a vape shop, leading to a concealed room where cocaine and marijuana were found.
- Galveston, TX: DEA, U.S. Marshals, and Harris County Constables (Pct. 2) seized 70,000 THC cartridges, 30,000 THC edibles, 15 pounds of marijuana, and 11 firearms.
- Little Rock, AR: After complaints of sales to minors, nearly 200 pounds of marijuana and over 50 firearms were seized. Two individuals were arrested.
- Albany, NY: Hundreds of pounds of colorful THC products, including gummies and vape cartridges, were confiscated; $50,000 and two arrests were made.
- Military Base Operations: DEA targeted shops near military installations, many operated by foreign nationals. One joint operation led to the seizure of 8,000 pounds of THC products, 70,000 marijuana plants, and 21,500 pounds of processed marijuana. Twenty suspects were arrested, including three Chinese nationals.
Illegal products seized included synthetic marijuana, synthetic cathinones, and 7-OH (synthetic kratom), many of which were packaged to appeal to youth with branding resembling candy and snacks.
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