Milton police announce largest illegal vape seizure in Florida – Pensacola News Journal
The Milton Police Department, in conjunction with local and state law enforcement agencies, made Florida’s largest illegal vape seizure this week, according to a MPD news release.
The operation included compliance checks at seven retail locations within the city of Milton that sell vape products, with a primary focus on identifying violations related to the sale of illegal and unlicensed items, particularly those marketed toward minors, the release said.
The operation, conducted Jan. 27, resulted in the seizure of more than 500 illegal vape products and the arrests employees involved in the illegal sale of vape products to minors.
The names of the businesses and the individuals involved were not released.
Some key findings of the operation included:
All seized items were confiscated under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act and will be marked for destruction, according to the release.
In addition to enforcement efforts, business owners and employees were provided with educational materials, including guidance on the Nicotine Derived Device Directory, a resource that identifies vape products that are illegal in Florida due to their appeal to minors. The NDD Directory includes detailed information on prohibited products, including names, brands and images.
“I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our officers and our partner agencies in this operation,” Milton Police Chief Jennifer Frank said in a statement. “This joint effort underscores the strength of cooperation between local and state entities. Our community’s safety remains a top priority, and we will continue to work tirelessly to enforce the law and protect our youth from harmful and illegal substances.”
The Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Gulf Breeze Police Department assisted in the operation.
The Milton Police Department release said the agency is committed to raising awareness about the risks of vaping, particularly among youth.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, over 1.63 million middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2024, with most using flavored products and many engaging in daily use. Nicotine exposure, particularly in adolescents, can lead to addiction and impair brain development. Additionally, vape aerosols may contain harmful substances, including formaldehyde and metals, contributing to severe lung injuries.
“Addressing the illegal sale of nicotine products and other dangerous items remains a top priority for the department. We are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community through proactive law enforcement and strategic partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies.”
The Milton Police Department encourages parents, guardians, and community members to remain vigilant and report suspected illegal sales of vape products or other controlled substances.
