New York State Has Cracked The Largest E-cigarette-related Criminal Case in History, With 12 Companies Being Prosecuted And 28 Charges Being Brought To Bear.

According to WGRZ's report on September 3rd: On September 3rd, 2025, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State has launched the largest-ever criminal enforcement operation against e-cigarettes in its history. This operation resulted in the arrest of over ten individuals and involved 12 companies. 28 criminal charges have been filed, and another 10 cases are pending.
The investigation lasted for several months, including secret online purchases, and it was discovered that multiple distributors were illegally transporting and selling e-cigarette products, especially one-time-use e-cigarettes in fruit, candy, and soda flavors. These products were sold through websites, social media, and mobile applications, and were attractive to minors.
According to the New York State Public Health Law, the related behavior is an A-level misdemeanor, and repeated offenses can be upgraded to an E-level felony. Governor Hochul emphasized that the illegal merchants "will face serious consequences," and stated that there will be more arrests and prosecutions in the coming days.
Dr. James McDonough, the New York State Health Commissioner, said that the widespread use of e-cigarette products has posed a serious threat to the health of teenagers. This large-scale enforcement operation reflects the state government's determination to curb the use of e-cigarettes.
List of affected e-cigarette stores: New York City Shindler Distribution d/b/a Vaporush (Manhattan) ePuffer (Manhattan and Brooklyn) Vape4Style (Brooklyn) Beyond Vape (Bronx) New York Glass 718 (Staten Island) Long Island JPL Development Inc. Business name: Vaperdudes Shinnecock E-cigarette Store Capital Region Nicless Vape (Albany and Fulton County) Vape More d/b/a Delta 8 Geek (Albany, Fulton, and Warren County) Western New York Wet Vapes (Erie and Niagara Companies)