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New York Says Seized Illegal Vape Shipment Had Retail Value of USD 2.2 Million to USD 3.5 Million

Mar.20
New York Says Seized Illegal Vape Shipment Had Retail Value of USD 2.2 Million to USD 3.5 Million
New York state health officials said a joint operation last week involving the State Department of Health, Nassau County police and local health officials intercepted about 14 tons of illegal vape products that were intended for local distributors and smoke shops.

Key Takeaways

 

  • New York officials said about 14 tons of illegal vape products were intercepted in Nassau County last week.
  • The seized products were estimated to have a retail value of USD 2.2 million to USD 3.5 million.
  • Investigators identified and intercepted more than 26,000 pounds and over 570 boxes of vape products in Nassau County.
  • Another shipment of more than 2,700 pounds of vape products was intercepted in Orange County.
  • State officials said distributor Ecto World Inc. could face criminal charges for allegedly violating laws on the shipping of cigarettes and vapor products.

 

 

2Firsts, March 20, 2026

 

According to Newsday, officials from the New York State Department of Health, Nassau County police and Nassau health authorities intercepted about 14 tons of illegal vape products last week that were intended for local distributors and smoke shops.

 

More than 26,000 pounds of vape products were seized in Nassau County, with retail value reaching USD 3.5 million

 

Officials from the Health Department’s Bureau of Investigations said investigators worked with police and shipping companies to identify potential shipments delivered in Nassau County, totaling more than 26,000 pounds and more than 570 boxes of vaping products. State officials estimated the retail value of the illegal vape products at between USD 2.2 million and USD 3.5 million.

 

The original report also said that another shipment of more than 2,700 pounds of vaping products was intercepted in Orange County in upstate New York.

 

Buffalo-based distributor Ecto World may face criminal charges

 

State Health Department officials said Buffalo-based wholesale distributor Ecto World Inc., also known as Demand Vape and described as one of the largest vaping and e-cigarette distributors in the country, could face criminal charges. The company is accused of violating New York state laws on the shipping of cigarettes and vapor products.

 

Attorneys and representatives for Ecto World and Demand Vape did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday.

 

Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement that illicit vape products pose serious health risks to New Yorkers, especially young people, and described the seizure as a major public safety victory and a message that New York will not tolerate illegal operations that put communities at risk.

 

Officials say some products may have violated flavor restrictions and were marketed toward youth

 

The report said Nassau County legislators voted in 2019 to ban the sale of flavored e-cigarette, vaping and nicotine products. State health officials also said the products may have violated New York’s 2020 ban on the sale of flavored vaping products.

 

The Health Department said it identified products marketed to children and teens, including candy flavoring and disposable packaging featuring digital displays, sounds and games.

 

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said the seizure showed the department’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of New Yorkers, particularly young people.

 

The original report also said state investigators arrested 38 people in a separate investigation in September targeting illegal vape shipments, including at two vape shops on Long Island. Officials said unlawful shipping of vaping products can result in misdemeanor charges, felony charges for repeat violations, and civil fines per package under public health law.

 

State officials said that by targeting distributors, investigators could slow the supply of vaping products and reduce what they described as “whack-a-mole” enforcement at the retail level. The report also noted that New York Attorney General Letitia James sued 13 manufacturers and distributors last year, including Ecto World, seeking millions of dollars in damages and accusing them of illegally distributing youth-targeted products.

 

Image Source：Newsday

 

References:
[1] Officials seize 14 tons of illegal vaping products bound for local distributors, smoke shops
Also Read:
[1] New York Proposal to Tax Nicotine Pouches at 75% Draws Opposition
[2] New York’s budget plan would apply a 75% wholesale tax to nicotine pouches, raising projected revenue
[3] New York directs Tax and Finance to build “Vapor Products” registry; products not listed deemed illegal
[4] NYC Reaches Settlement with E-Cigarette Distributors in Flavored Vape Crackdown

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