Sept. 10 (UPI) -- A multi-U.S. agency sting in Chicago uncovered millions of illegal e-cig vape units worth nearly $90 million in estimated retail value, U.S. officials said Wednesday, calling it the "largest-ever seizure of this kind."
The joint federal operation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency uncovered and seized more than $86 million worth in unauthorized e-cigarette products in a targeted sting of 37 largely Chinese importers.
On Wednesday, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary reiterated that children, in particular, "should not be using potentially dangerous, addicting products that have been snuck into" the United States, adding that products not federally-approved will be seized, detained or likely destroyed.
Nearly all the illegal-designated shipments originated via China, according to U.S. officials.
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