FDA Is Looking for Expanded Power to Crack Down on Illegal Vape

Bloomberg News — The Food and Drug Administration is taking a closer look at kratom extracts and preparing to ask Congress for expanded authority to shut down illegal vaping imports, according to the agency’s head.

In an interview, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said that the US is essentially wide open to shipments of dangerous products including unauthorized vapes as well as an opioid-like substance found in potent kratom extracts. Another product of concern is tianeptine, which has been dubbed “gas station heroin” and is available at convenience stores nationwide.

“Our border has been 100% porous when it comes to illegal vaping products,” Makary said. The agency has found that when it blocks one shipment at a port, it’s simply rerouted through another, he said.

That’s sparking a bid to obtain more power from Congress. The FDA plans to seek stronger authority to seize goods at ports as well as work more closely with other US agencies such as the Department of Justice. As part of this effort, the FDA is working with a multi-agency task force that’s targeting the supply chains behind illegal vapes. This led to the recent seizure of $34 million of illicit vaping products in Chicago.

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