Forty-four website domains were busted for allegedly selling illegal vaping cartridges with THC and other adulterated substances.
“In the wake of recent injuries and deaths caused by vaping products, these seizures send a message to anyone seeking to capitalize on this dangerous trend,” Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon said. “DEA will continue to work in lockstep with FDA and other federal, state, and local partners to use all our authorities to pursue anyone that violates our laws and puts Americans in harm’s way.”
All the websites in question are now being redirected to a page that tells visitors that the domain has been terminated by U.S. authorities over federal law infringement.“We need to fully understand the causes of vaping related lung injuries,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn. “Moreover, it is a federal crime to advertise the sale of illicit THC vaping cartridges online, and by seizing these websites today, we are able to focus on other online and in-person sources of illegal and potentially dangerous vaping products. As more information comes to light in this complex and evolving investigation, we remain committed to taking further appropriate actions with our federal, state and local partners.”
Some of the webpages advertised the vaporizers with THC data levels beside the picture, making it clear that the items contained controlled substances under federal law.
