Baton Rouge, Louisiana - A statewide, multi-agency operation in Louisiana, known as Operation Vape Out, has resulted in significant actions against unauthorized vape products. The operation involved the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC), Louisiana State Police (LSP), the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (LSFM), Louisiana State Probation and Parole (LSP&P), and federal Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Over four weeks, they worked together to confiscate illegal vape products from retail and wholesale businesses and to identify and arrest those responsible.

The crackdown led to the arrest of ten individuals on various charges, including possession of Schedule I narcotics, unlawful possession of hallucinogenic plants, felony possession of nitrous oxide, and immigration violations. The seized products included 34,000 vape pens, pods, and juices, 16,000 CBD gummies, liquids, and pre-rolled cigarettes, 6,500 containers of nitrous oxide (N2O), and 1,800 Schedule I narcotics such as marijuana, tianeptine ("gas station heroin"), and psilocybin. Additionally, 1,500 tainted sexual enhancement products were seized.

In addition to these seizures, ATC issued over 140 citations for alcohol, tobacco, alternative tobacco, and consumable hemp violations. The state Fire Marshal’s office issued more than 150 citations for safety and fire code violations. As part of the operation, ATC suspended the permits of six businesses across Louisiana.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.