By Hank Russell
Two Long Island vape distributors were rounded up in what the governor’s office described as the largest criminal vape enforcement action in New York State history.
The sweep, also known as “Operation Vapers’ Dozen,” yielded over a dozen arrests and a total of 38 criminal charges statewide for illegally shipping vaping products in violation of state law. The sweeping crackdown on the vape industry in New York, led by the New York State Department of Health in partnership with the New York State Police, targeted businesses and their owners that operate online vape shops and distribution networks located across the state, from Western New York to Long Island.
The two distributors that were caught were JPL Development Inc. d/b/a Vaperdudes and Shinnecock Vape Shop in Southampton. Although the contact phone number had a Suffolk County area code, Vaperdudes’ website said its location was in New Jersey.
Based on a months-long investigation by the Department of Health’s Bureau of Investigations that included undercover online buys, the New York State Police charged the vape dealers with Unlawful Shipment and Transport of Vapor Products, a Class A misdemeanor. According to the Public Health Law, any second or subsequent unlawful shipment and transport of vapor products following a conviction would be a Class E felony.
Many of the illicit shipments included bright-colored disposable e-cigarettes and e-liquids in flavors that appeal to adolescents, such as fruit, candy, soda and dessert flavors, marketed through websites, social media and mobile apps. Some included disposable vapes that come equipped with digital display screens and other tech-savvy features similar to smartphones, handheld video games and other electronic devices popular among children, teens and young adults.
“These companies built their business models around breaking New York’s laws and targeting our kids — now, we’re holding them accountable,” Governor Kathy 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.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “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.”
“Illicit business practices are simply not fair to owners who have followed the law and made substantial investments in their businesses,” added New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said. “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.”