New York Seizes $2.5M in Illicit Vapes Linked to Vapor Tech Association Board Member

Rep. Brad Knott and former ATF official Richard Marianos condemn China-linked vape group's efforts to influence policy

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:53am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, abstract painting depicting the overlapping, repeating image of a shattered vape cartridge in a palette of dark greys, blues, and reds, conveying a sense of disruption and chaos surrounding the issue of illicit Chinese-made vape products.A crackdown on illicit Chinese-made vape products exposes the tangled web of industry groups, criminal networks, and public health concerns.NYC Today

New York authorities have seized over 28,000 pounds of illicit vape products worth an estimated $2.5 million that were linked to Ecto World, a distributor owned by Jon Glauser, a board member of the Vapor Technology Association. The crackdown on illegal Chinese-made vapes has bipartisan support, with Rep. Brad Knott and former ATF official Richard Marianos criticizing the Vapor Technology Association's efforts to influence policy around the issue.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of illicit Chinese-made vape products flooding the U.S. market, often with the involvement of groups like the Vapor Technology Association that have sought to influence policy around the issue. The seizure in New York is part of a broader nationwide crackdown on these dangerous counterfeit products, which pose a threat to public health and safety.

The details

Authorities in New York seized over 28,000 pounds of illicit vape products worth an estimated $2.5 million that were linked to Ecto World, a distributor owned by Jon Glauser, who is a board member of the Vapor Technology Association. Glauser's company Magellan Technology Inc. was described as a 'middleman' and 'master distributor' for China-based vape manufacturers in a 2023 federal complaint. The Vapor Technology Association, which has publicly urged the Trump administration to preserve the flavored-vape industry, is linked to the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce, which has ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

  • On March 19, 2026, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the seizure of the illicit vape products.
  • In September 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the FDA announced the largest illegal vape seizure in American history, leading to the launch of Operation Vape Trail by the DEA.

The players

Rep. Brad Knott

A Republican Congressman from North Carolina who is condemning the Vapor Technology Association's efforts to influence policy around illegal Chinese-made vapes.

Richard Marianos

A former ATF official who is criticizing the Vapor Technology Association's lobbying efforts and calling for the sale of only legally registered vape products.

Jon Glauser

The owner of Ecto World, a distributor of illicit vape products, and a board member of the Vapor Technology Association.

Vapor Technology Association

A trade group that has publicly urged the Trump administration to preserve the flavored-vape industry, despite its links to China-based manufacturers of illegal vape products.

China Electronics Chamber of Commerce

An organization established in Shenzhen, China in 2017 that operates under the Chinese Communist Party's Ministry of Civil Affairs and partners with the Vapor Technology Association.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Chinese Communist Party has carried out an elaborate effort to skirt trade barriers and flood the U.S. market with dangerous counterfeit vape products. This is not a secret. This is known. For too many, it is unfortunately an accepted means to undercut legitimate and authentic products so a quick profit can be had through selling counterfeit goods. This harms American businesses, American farmers, and American children.”

— Rep. Brad Knott, Congressman

“The correct message is, sell the products that the FDA has deemed a registered product for tobacco harm reduction and don't support criminal activity and sell illegal products.”

— Richard Marianos, Former ATF Official

What’s next

The judge in the case against Ecto World and its owner will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the defendant out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of illicit Chinese-made vape products flooding the U.S. market, often with the involvement of industry groups that seek to influence policy around the issue. The bipartisan crackdown on these dangerous counterfeit products is an important step in protecting public health and safety.