A multi-agency coalition of law enforcement agents will begin tackling the unruly market of illegal e-cigarettes, under pressure from antismoking groups, lawmakers and the tobacco industry urging federal authorities to stop the flood of vaping devices favored by adolescents.
The Justice Department announced the new effort, which is expected to target fruit- and candy-flavored vapes containing high levels of addictive nicotine.
The new coalition would include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S.
Postal Service, tapping into federal laws that could include significant fines and jail terms.
“Unauthorized e-cigarettes and vaping products continue to jeopardize the health of Americans — particularly children and adolescents — across the country,” Benjamin C. Mizer, the acting associate attorney general, said.
Persons:
—, ” Benjamin C
Organizations:
Justice Department, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives, U.S . Marshals Service, Federal Trade Commission, U.S . Postal Service, Food and Drug Administration