New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced the largest criminal vape enforcement action in the state’s history.
Hochul reported that there have been over a dozen arrests and a total of 38 criminal charges for illegally shipping vaping products in violation of state law.
“Investigation by New York State Police is ongoing as to the 12th distributor identified by the investigation, with charges expected,” the governor’s office said in a statement.
Led by the New York State Department of Health in partnership with the New York State Police, the statewide sweep, dubbed “Operation Vapers’ Dozen,” targeted businesses and their owners that operate online vape shops and distribution networks located across New York.
“These companies built their business models around breaking New York’s laws and targeting our kids — now, we’re holding them accountable,” Hochul said.
Many of the illicit shipments included bright-colored disposable e-cigarettes and e-liquids in flavors that appeals to youth, such as fruit, candy, soda and dessert flavors, marketed through websites, social media and mobile apps, the governor’s office said in a statement.
The New York State Police charged the vape dealers with unlawful shipment and transport of vapor products, which is a class A misdemeanor. The charges were determined following a months-long investigation by the Department of Health’s Bureau of Investigations that included undercover online buys.
“Illicit business practices are simply not fair to owners who have followed the law and made substantial investments in their businesses,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.
In response to Hochul’s announcement, the New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS), based in Albany, New York, issued the following statement:
“[NYACS] strongly supports Governor Hochul’s decisive action to dismantle the illegal vape supply chain in our state. Vigorous enforcement of our laws is essential to protect young people, combat the criminal ecosystems profiting from these illicit products, and ensure a fair and functioning marketplace. Responsible retailers who comply with the law stand ready to provide New Yorkers with authorized, legal alternatives for those seeking to quit smoking. This enforcement action sends a clear message: bad actors will not be allowed to undermine public health or the integrity of our retail marketplace.”
The affected businesses, some with brick-and-mortar stores open to the public, include the following:
New York City:
- Shindler Distribution doing business as Vaporush in Manhattan
- ePuffer in Manhattan and Brooklyn
- Vape4Style in Brooklyn
- Beyond Vape in the Bronx
- NYC Glass 718 on Staten Island
Long Island:
- JPL Development Inc. doing business as Vaperdudes
- Shinnecock Vape Shop
Capital Region:
- Nicless Vape in Albany and Fulton Counties
- Vape More doing business as Delta 8 Geek in Albany, Fulton County and Warren County
Western New York:
- Wet Vapes (Erie County and Niagara County
Central New York/Mohawk Valley:
- Adirondack Vapor in Oneida County
In the state of New York, it is illegal to sell flavored vapor products at retail, sell vapor products to anyone under 21 years old and to ship, or cause to be shipped, vapor products to consumers and unlicensed businesses.
Want to learn more about tobacco? Sign up for CSP’s Tobacco+ Forum in September here.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.