Governor Hochul announces the largest criminal vape enforcement action in New York State history with dozens of arrests and charges filed against illegal distributors

New York – New York has launched its most aggressive enforcement action yet against illegal vaping businesses, marking a turning point in the state’s ongoing fight to curb youth access to nicotine products. Governor Kathy Hochul announced what she called the largest criminal vape enforcement action in New York State history, a sweeping operation that brought dozens of criminal charges against individuals accused of shipping vaping products in violation of state law.

The unprecedented effort, carried out under the name Operation Vapers’ Dozen, was led by the New York State Department of Health with crucial support from the New York State Police. Investigators focused on businesses that have been selling vapor products online and through distribution networks that span the state—from Western New York and the Mohawk Valley to the Capital Region, New York City, and Long Island.

By the time the sweep concluded, more than a dozen people had been arrested and a total of 38 criminal charges filed. For Governor Hochul, the message could not be clearer. “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.”

A Months-Long Investigation Into Online Vape Sales

The crackdown did not happen overnight. According to the Department of Health, its Bureau of Investigations spent months tracking the movement of illegal products through online shops and social media advertisements. Undercover investigators placed test orders through websites and mobile apps, building the evidence needed to charge distributors under New York’s Public Health Law.

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The investigation revealed a troubling pattern: many shipments included brightly packaged disposable e-cigarettes and flavored liquids with names and designs deliberately crafted to appeal to adolescents. Candy, soda, and dessert flavors were common, while some devices featured tech-inspired designs, including digital display screens that mimicked smart phones or handheld video games.

Law enforcement officials stressed that these marketing tactics were not accidental. They were part of a deliberate effort to reach minors and young adults—a direct violation of the protections put in place when the state banned flavored vapes and restricted sales to individuals 21 and over.

Criminal Charges and Potential Penalties

The New York State Police charged the defendants with Unlawful Shipment and Transport of Vapor Products, a Class A misdemeanor under the Public Health Law. State officials underscored that repeat offenders face harsher consequences, with any second or subsequent conviction elevated to a Class E felony.

The 12 distributors targeted by the operation included both online retailers and brick-and-mortar vape shops scattered across multiple regions:

• 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 Counties), Vape More d/b/a Delta 8 Geek (Albany, Fulton and Warren Counties)
• Western New York: Wet Vapes (Erie & Niagara Counties)
• Central New York/Mohawk Valley: Adirondack Vapor (Oneida County)

Authorities said charges are still pending against an additional distributor, with further arrests and warrants expected in the coming days.

Public Health Leaders Raise Alarms

Health officials warned that the spread of vaping products, particularly among young people, has become a serious public health issue in New York. State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald pointed to the risks associated with adolescent nicotine use. “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.”

Dr. McDonald’s comments echo a growing consensus in the medical community: vaping among adolescents can lead to long-term addiction and health complications, even when products are marketed as “safer” alternatives to traditional cigarettes.

Fair Competition and Consumer Protection

Law enforcement leaders also emphasized that illegal distributors harm more than just consumers. State Police Superintendent Steven G. James explained that legitimate business owners, who invest in compliance and licensing, are placed at a disadvantage when competitors break the law. “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.”

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His statement underlines a dual concern: not only is youth health at stake, but the integrity of New York’s regulated marketplace as well.

Enforcement Numbers and Scope

Officials provided several key figures from the enforcement sweep:

• 12 businesses targeted for unlawful shipments
• 28 criminal charges filed so far, with 10 more pending
• Additional arrests and warrants planned within the week

Authorities confirmed that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court, but stressed that the coordinated effort represents a major step forward in dismantling the illegal supply chain.

A Broader Strategy to Protect New York’s Youth

Governor Hochul framed the enforcement action as part of a wider campaign to reduce youth nicotine use, particularly as students return to classrooms across the state. New York has already taken multiple steps to tighten restrictions and reduce access, including:

• Raising the minimum age for tobacco and vape sales to 21 statewide, cutting off high school access.
• Increasing the state cigarette tax by $1 per pack, effective September 1, 2023.
• Directing settlement funds from JUUL Labs into education, prevention, and enforcement efforts at both state and local levels.
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Millions of dollars from those funds are now supporting schools and health agencies in creating awareness campaigns and cessation programs tailored to teens.

Prevention and Quit Resources

While enforcement is critical, state officials stressed that prevention and support remain equally important. The Department of Health continues to run programs aimed at reducing youth vaping through school-based education and public service campaigns. For those already addicted, the state offers free resources:

• NYS Quitline: Call 1-866-NY-QUITS or visit nysmokefree.com
• DropTheVape.com: Free, 24/7 confidential text support for teens and young adults
• OASAS HOPEline: Call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY for support with nicotine or other substance challenges
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By combining enforcement with education and cessation, officials hope to cut off supply while helping individuals find healthier paths forward.

Looking Ahead

The historic scale of Operation Vapers’ Dozen reflects how seriously New York is treating the illegal vape trade. For Governor Hochul, the issue is not just about enforcing the law—it’s about safeguarding an entire generation from an industry willing to put profit ahead of health.

The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests may follow. But for now, state officials say the message is unambiguous: New York will not tolerate the illegal shipment and sale of vapor products, particularly those targeting children and teens.

The outcome of this enforcement action may also serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges. As the vaping industry continues to evolve, with new devices and flavors emerging constantly, New York’s approach underscores the need for both vigilance and adaptability.

With public health experts, law enforcement officers, and policymakers aligned, the state is signaling that the fight against youth vaping is far from over—and that those who attempt to skirt the law will be met with swift and serious consequences.