Vienna, 28 May 2026
Operation eVaper8, a global enforcement initiative coordinated by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), has disrupted international trafficking networks linked to dangerous vapes containing synthetic drugs, unauthorized pharmaceuticals and other harmful chemicals, resulting in seizures of over 19,500 units, 21 kg and 7 liters of dangerous substances. The first-of-its-kind global operation brought together 149 law enforcement and regulatory agencies from 94 countries and territories andseven international partner organizations to target this rapidly expanding threat to public health and welfare.
Conducted over four weeks, Operation eVaper8 focused on identifying major trafficking routes, production sources and redistribution hubs connected to vapes and related products containing synthetic cannabinoids, opioids, etomidate, synthetic cathinones and other dangerous chemicals. Intelligence exchanged through the INCB IONICS platform identified 26 distinct substances concealed in vaping devices, cartridges and refill liquids, highlighting the growing exploitation of vaping product marketfor drug trafficking.
Photo: Operation eVaper8 post-operational debriefing – discussing findings on one of the most complex emerging drug threats and media coverage of the phenomenon and related seizures.
Operation eVaper8 was conducted under the Global Rapid Interdiction of Dangerous Substances (GRIDS) Programme's Project ION and OPIOIDS Project, benefiting from a record level of participation. Support was received from INCB’s international and regional partners, including the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the World Customs Organisation (WCO), CARICOM IMPACS, the Gulf Cooperation Council Criminal Information Center to Combat Drugs (GCC-CIC), the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) and the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Center (PTCCC).
In the lead up to the operation the GRIDS OPIOIDS Project “Scanning Novel Opioids on Online Platforms (SNOOP)” tool identified an increasing number of mentions of the word ‘vape’ across e-commerce platforms. In February 2025 INCB issued a Special Notice on the rising issue of e-cigarettes and vapes containing new psychoactive substances, referencing 40 mentions of the word ‘vape’ detected by SNOOP from January 2024 until February 2025. During the period from January 2024 until April 2026, SNOOP detected 5,198 mentions of the word 'vape' across 23 e-commerce platforms in marketplace offers advertising substances such as fentanyl, carfentanil and 4-hydroxyphencyclidine, registering a significant surge.
Photo: Mentions of the word “vape” in marketplace offers advertising dangerous substances from January 2024 - April 2026.
During the operation, various challenges concerning the interdiction of vapes laced with dangerous substances were identified. In that regard, closer coordination of regulatory and law enforcement agencies with trusted private sector partners, especially among regulated industries, could improve the ability of frontline officers to identify falsified brand-nameproducts concealing illicit substances. INCB offers a series of guidelines to facilitate voluntary cooperation with trusted private sector partners. To address challenges in testing, handling and disposal of vape devices, INCB encourages Member States to share best practices.
Operation eVaper8 sits at the heart of the GRIDS Programme's mandate — responding to new psychoactive substances and rapidly emerging drug threats through coordinated global intelligence gathering for enforcement action. Drug-laced vapes represent precisely the kind of evolving threat GRIDS is designed to address.
INCB is the independent, quasi-judicial body charged with promoting and monitoring Government compliance with the three international drug control conventions: the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Established by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, the thirteen members of the Board are elected in a personal capacity by the Economic and Social Council for terms of five years.
