Two vape shops on Long Island are named in vape shop takedown by the State.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the largest criminal vape enforcement action in New York State history, resulting in over a dozen arrests and a total of 38 criminal charges for illegally shipping vaping products.
The sweeping crackdown on the vape industry in New York, led by the New York State Department of Health in partnership with the New York State Police, targeted businesses and their owners that operate online vape shops and distribution networks located across the state, from Western New York to Long Island.
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:
Long Island
- JPL Development Inc. d/b/a Vaperdudes (Internet based Long Island shop)
- Shinnecock Vape Shop (Montawk Highway, Suffolk County)
Based on a months-long investigation by the Department of Health’s Bureau of Investigations that included undercover online buys, the New York State Police charged the vape dealers with Unlawful Shipment and Transport of Vapor Products, a class A misdemeanor.
Many of the illicit shipments included bright-colored disposable e-cigarettes and e-liquids in flavors that appeals to adolescents, such as fruit, candy, soda and dessert flavors, marketed through websites, social media and mobile apps. Some included disposable vapes that come equipped with digital display screens and other tech-savvy features popular among children, teens and young adults.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “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.”
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.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “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.”