Governor Kathy Hochul has announced what officials describe as the largest criminal vape enforcement action in New York State history. The operation, which involved the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Police, resulted in more than a dozen arrests and 38 criminal charges related to the illegal shipment of vaping products.
“These companies built their business models around breaking New York’s laws and targeting our kids — now, we’re holding them accountable,” Governor Hochul said. “With the largest criminal vape enforcement operation in state history, New York is sending a message: if you sell vapor products in violation of our laws, you will face serious consequences.”
The investigation was led by the Department of Health’s Bureau of Investigations and included undercover online purchases. According to authorities, those charged face counts of Unlawful Shipment and Transport of Vapor Products, classified as a class A misdemeanor under Public Health Law. Repeat offenses could result in felony charges. Many shipments reportedly contained flavored disposable e-cigarettes and e-liquids marketed with fruit, candy, soda, or dessert flavors—products that are particularly appealing to adolescents—and were sold through websites, social media platforms, and mobile apps. Some devices featured digital displays similar to those found on smartphones or handheld gaming devices.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald commented on the health risks associated with youth vaping: “The widespread availability of e-cigarettes and vapor products poses significant public health challenges, with particularly alarming consequences for adolescents such as addiction and damage to their developing brains and lungs. These arrests are a direct result of the state’s dedication to decreasing vaping, especially among young people. Thanks to the work of the Department’s Bureau of Investigations and our partners at the Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office and the New York State Police, we are making it clear that violating laws meant to protect the health of New Yorkers, and children in particular, will not be tolerated.”
Superintendent Steven G. James from the New York State Police added: “Illicit business practices are simply not fair to owners who have followed the law and made substantial investments in their businesses. Several unlawful shipments of vape products are landing in the hands of buyers under the age of 21, posing a threat to their health and safety. This will simply not be tolerated in New York State. I thank Governor Hochul and the Department of Health for heightening our efforts to halt these unauthorized transactions and safeguard New Yorkers and our communities.”
Authorities targeted 12 businesses accused of unlawfully shipping vapor products within New York via online sales channels. To date there have been 28 criminal charges filed; an additional 10 charges are pending as well as further arrests expected this week.
Businesses named include Shindler Distribution (Vaporush), ePuffer (Manhattan & Brooklyn), Vape4Style (Brooklyn), Beyond Vape (Bronx), NYC Glass 718 (Staten Island), JPL Development Inc. (Vaperdudes) on Long Island; Shinnecock Vape Shop; Nicless Vape (Albany & Fulton Counties); Vape More (Delta 8 Geek) operating across Albany, Fulton, Warren Counties; Wet Vapes (Erie & Niagara Counties); Adirondack Vapor (Oneida County). An investigation continues into one additional distributor.
Under current state law it is illegal both to sell flavored vapor products at retail locations or online directly to consumers or unlicensed businesses within New York—and also illegal for anyone under age 21 to purchase such items.
Despite these restrictions some sellers have used online platforms that bypass age verification measures allowing minors access.
As students return for a new school year across New York this enforcement effort is part of broader strategies intended by state leaders aimed at protecting student health.
Recent policy changes include raising https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PBH/1399-CC legal purchasing age for tobacco/vaping products statewide from 18 up to 21 years old—a move designed specifically https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/smoking_any_age.htm#tobacco21#:~:text=On%20July%2016%2C%202019%2C%20Governor,tobacco%20sales%20to%20age%2021.&text=This%20law%20is,to restrict high schoolers’ access—as well as increasing cigarette taxes effective September 1st last year by $1 per pack so that smoking/vaping becomes less affordable for youth audiences.
Settlement funds received from JUUL Labs have also been allocated toward educational outreach programs supporting schools/local agencies focused on prevention/enforcement initiatives regarding tobacco use among young people throughout https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2023/attorney-general-james-announces-tentative-462-million-settlement-juul-labs-inc-multistate coalition efforts.
Alongside law enforcement actions there remain ongoing cessation/prevention campaigns run by NYS Department Of Health including public awareness efforts plus quit resources available free-of-charge—such as NYS Quitline services accessible via phone or nysmokefree.com website—or confidential text support tailored specifically toward teens seeking help quitting through DropTheVape.com platform.
