Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced New York State’s largest criminal vape enforcement action, resulting in more than a dozen arrests and 38 criminal charges for illegally shipping vaping products.
The crackdown, led by the State Department of Health and New York State Police, targeted online vape shops operating across the state, including several in Brooklyn.
Authorities say the investigation found colorful disposable e-cigarettes and flavored vape liquids of fruit, candy, soda and dessert flavors, marketed directly to young people through websites, apps and social media.
“These companies built their business models around breaking New York’s laws and targeting our kids — now, we’re holding them accountable,” Hochul said in a statement.
Two Brooklyn firms, including Vape4Style and ePuffer, were among the firms that face charges related to the unlawful shipment and transport of vapor products, which is a class A misdemeanor. Repeat violations can escalate to a class E felony.
Under state law, it is illegal to sell flavored vape products, sell vaping products to anyone under 21, or ship vape products to consumers or unlicensed businesses.
