Governor Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday the largest criminal vape enforcement operation in New York State history, resulting in over a dozen arrests and 38 criminal charges against individuals and businesses illegally shipping vaping products.
The crackdown, led by the New York State Department of Health in partnership with the New York State Police, targeted online vape shops and distribution networks across the state, from Western New York to Long Island. Investigators conducted months-long undercover operations, including online purchases, to identify businesses violating state law.
Officials say many of the illegal shipments included brightly colored disposable e-cigarettes and e-liquids with flavors appealing to adolescents, such as fruit, candy, soda, and dessert. Some vapes featured digital display screens and other technology resembling smartphones, video games, and other devices popular with young people.
Governor Hochul emphasized that the operation sends a clear message: companies that break New York’s laws and market vaping products to minors will be held accountable. Those charged face Class A misdemeanor counts for unlawful shipment and transport of vapor products, with repeat offenses potentially rising to Class E felonies.
Enforcement Highlights:
- 12 businesses targeted for unlawfully shipping vapor products in New York in connection with online sales.
- 28 criminal charges filed to date; 10 further charges pending.
- Additional arrests and arrest warrants planned this week.
The impacted businesses, some with brick-and-mortar stores open to the public, are located throughout Western New York, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, the Capital Region, New York City and Long Island. They include the following:
New York City
- Shindler Distribution d/b/a Vaporush (Manhattan)
- ePuffer (Manhattan & Brooklyn)
- Vape4Style (Brooklyn)
- Beyond Vape (Bronx)
- NYC Glass 718 (Staten Island)
Long Island
- JPL Development Inc. d/b/a Vaperdudes
- Shinnecock Vape Shop
Capital Region
- Nicless Vape (Albany & Fulton Cos.)
- Vape More d/b/a Delta 8 Geek (Albany, Fulton and Warren Cos.)
Western New York
- Wet Vapes (Erie & Niagara Cos.)
Central New York/Mohawk Valley
- Adirondack Vapor (Oneida Co.)
Investigation by New York State Police is ongoing as to the twelfth distributor identified by the investigation, with charges expected.
In New York State, 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. Public Health Law prescribes various civil and criminal penalties for violations.
Despite the law, bad actors have continued to exploit online platforms to deliver products directly to New York homes, often bypassing age verification and targeting minors.
