Governor Kathy Hochul has announced what is being described as the largest criminal vape enforcement action in New York State history. The operation, led by 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 enforcement action followed an investigation by the Department of Health’s Bureau of Investigations, which included undercover online purchases. The New York State Police charged several dealers with Unlawful Shipment and Transport of Vapor Products, classified as a class A misdemeanor under state law. Repeat offenses can be prosecuted as felonies. Many shipments reportedly included flavored disposable e-cigarettes and e-liquids marketed toward young people through various digital platforms. Some devices featured digital screens and technology similar to popular electronics among youth.
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.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James addressed concerns about illegal business practices: “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.”
The enforcement targeted 12 businesses accused of illegally shipping vapor products within New York through online sales channels. So far, 28 criminal charges have been filed with another 10 pending; additional arrests are expected.
Businesses affected by this action operate across regions including Western New York, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Capital Region, New York City, and Long Island. Named entities include Shindler Distribution (Vaporush), ePuffer, Vape4Style, Beyond Vape, NYC Glass 718 (all based in various boroughs), JPL Development (Vaperdudes), Shinnecock Vape Shop (Long Island), Nicless Vape (Albany & Fulton Counties), Vape More (Delta 8 Geek), Wet Vapes (Erie & Niagara Counties), Adirondack Vapor (Oneida County), with further investigations ongoing into another distributor.
State law prohibits selling flavored vapor products at retail locations or selling any vapor product to individuals under 21 years old; shipping these products directly to consumers or unlicensed businesses is also illegal.
Despite these restrictions, some vendors continue using online platforms to deliver products directly to homes while bypassing age verification requirements.
As students return for a new school year across New York, Governor Hochul emphasized that this enforcement effort is part of broader strategies aimed at protecting student health.
Other measures previously enacted include raising the legal purchase age for tobacco and vaping products statewide to 21 years old—a move intended to limit access among high school students—and increasing cigarette taxes by $1 per pack effective September 1, 2023. Additionally, funds from settlements with JUUL Labs have been directed toward education and prevention programs benefiting schools and local agencies throughout the state.
The Department of Health continues its prevention campaigns through school-based education initiatives and public awareness efforts while offering free cessation resources such as NYS Quitline (1-866-NY-QUITS or nysmokefree.com) and DropTheVape.com for confidential support tailored for teens.
