Hundreds of illegal vape cartridges have been seized in Northeast Wisconsin in 2019. As the demand for these products grows, local investigators are worried about homemade cartridges containing unknown chemicals.

The nation is currently dealing with an epidemic of severe lung illnesses in people who vape with THC waxes and oils. Seven people have died nationwide. There have been 35 confirmed cases of the vaping-related lung illness in Wisconsin. CLICK HERE for updated numbers and more information on the illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has activated an emergency operations center to strengthen its response to the epidemic.

Patients suffer chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, nausea, vomiting, fever and weight loss. Some end up in the hospital on ventilators.

News broke this week that 20-year-old Tyler Huffhines of Kenosha has been charged with five felony counts related to a homemade vaping cartridge operation. Investigators say he flew to California to purchase THC oil in bulk. He then filled the cartridges with the oil and sold them, according to court documents.