New York State's largest e-cigarette enforcement operation: 12 companies investigated, more than 10 people arrested, and 38 criminal charges brought against them

Key points:

·Massive Law Enforcement Operation: The largest e-cigarette law enforcement operation in the history of New York state resulted in over 10 arrests and 38 criminal charges. 

·Multidepartmental Collaboration: The New York State Department of Health and the New York State Police collaborated in a statewide operation targeting online e-cigarette shops and distribution networks. 

·Protecting Youth Health: The operation aimed to enforce public health laws, banning the sale of flavored e-cigarette products, sales to individuals under 21, and the transportation of e-cigarette products to consumers and unlicensed businesses. 

·Industry Regulation: This action is an important step in addressing the public health threat posed by illegal e-cigarette products, and is expected to further regulate the e-cigarette industry. 

·Specific Measures: Increasing the legal age to purchase tobacco and e-cigarette products to 21, raising tobacco taxes, and using settlement funds from JUUL Labs to support education and prevention efforts.

On September 4, 2025, according to the official website of the state of New York, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the largest-ever enforcement operation against e-cigarettes in the history of New York State. This operation led to more than 10 arrests and 38 criminal charges related to the illegal transportation of e-cigarette products. The operation was launched jointly by the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Police, targeting online e-cigarette stores and distribution networks throughout the state.

These companies have built their business models around violating New York laws and targeting our children - now, we are holding them accountable," Governor Hochul said. "Through the largest e-cigarette enforcement action in New York State history, we are sending a clear message: if you break our laws by selling e-cigarette products, you will face serious consequences.

Operation details and law enforcement results

According to the New York State website, this operation was based on a months-long investigation by the Department of Health Bureau, including secret online purchases. The New York State Police have brought Class A misdemeanor charges against e-cigarette distributors for illegal transport and sale of e-cigarette products. According to public health laws, any subsequent illegal transport and sale of e-cigarette products after conviction will constitute a Class E felony. Many of the illegally transported products include brightly colored disposable e-cigarettes and flavored e-liquids targeted at young people, marketed through websites, social media, and mobile applications. Some products even come equipped with digital displays and other high-tech features, similar to smartphones, handheld gaming devices, and other popular electronic devices among children, adolescents, and young people.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "The widespread availability of e-cigarettes poses a significant challenge to public health, especially in terms of addiction among youth and the harm to their developing brains and lungs. These arrests are a direct result of the state government's efforts to reduce youth use of e-cigarettes. We thank the Department of Health's Investigations Bureau and our partners in the Schuyler County District Attorney's Office and the New York State Police for their collaboration, and we want to make it clear that violations of laws aimed at protecting the health of New Yorkers, especially children, will not be tolerated.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, "Illegal business practices are unfair to those who follow the law and make significant investments in their businesses. Many illegally transported e-cigarette products end up in the hands of buyers under the age of 21, posing a threat to their health and safety. This is not tolerated in New York State. I thank Governor Hochul and the Department of Health for strengthening our efforts to stop these unauthorized transactions and protect New Yorkers and our communities.

Enforcement characteristics:

·Twelve businesses are being investigated for illegally transporting e-cigarette products in New York, involving online sales. 

·Currently, 28 criminal charges have been filed, with 10 additional charges pending. 

·More arrests are planned for this week, along with the issuance of arrest warrants.

The affected businesses are spread across the western, central, Mohawk Valley, capital region, New York City, and Long Island, including the following areas:

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.)

Legal Background and Future Measures

The New York State Police Department is currently investigating the 12th distributor and is expected to bring charges.

In New York state, it is illegal to sell flavored e-cigarette products at retail, to sell e-cigarette products to individuals under the age of 21, and to transport or arrange for the transportation of e-cigarette products to consumers or unlicensed businesses. The Public Health Law sets out various civil and criminal penalties for violations.

Despite the existence of laws, some bad actors continue to use online platforms to deliver products directly to New York families, often bypassing age verification and targeting minors.

As students across New York prepare to return to the classroom, Governor Hochul emphasized that this historic law enforcement action is part of a broader strategy to protect the health and safety of the upcoming school year.

This latest law enforcement action is built upon Governor Hochul's broader commitment to protect New York teenagers from the harms of e-cigarettes and tobacco. At the state level, multiple measures have been taken to strengthen prevention and enforcement efforts, including:

·Raising the legal age for the sale of tobacco and e-cigarette products to 21 will cut off access for high school students. 

·Starting on September 1, 2023, the state cigarette tax will be raised by $1 per pack, making smoking and e-cigarettes less affordable and less appealing to youth. 

·The settlement funds from JUUL Labs will be used for education, prevention, and enforcement programs across New York, with millions of dollars supporting schools and local health agencies.

In addition to enforcement actions, the New York State Department of Health continues to lead efforts in prevention and smoking cessation, reducing youth e-cigarette use, and supporting New Yorkers who wish to quit smoking. These initiatives include school education, public awareness campaigns, and customized smoking cessation resources for adults and youth.