News Summary
Governor Kathy Hochul has revealed the largest enforcement action against illegal vape sales in New York’s history. Dubbed ‘Operation Vapers’ Dozen,’ the operation aimed at combatting the distribution of vapor products to minors has resulted in over a dozen arrests and multiple criminal charges against several businesses. The crackdown targets establishments unlawfully shipping flavored e-liquids and disposable e-cigarettes, highlighting the state’s commitment to protecting youth from the dangers of vaping.
New York – On September 4, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the largest criminal vape enforcement action in the history of New York State. This significant operation has led to over a dozen arrests and resulted in 38 criminal charges against various vape dealers involved in the illegal distribution of vapor products to minors.
The enforcement action, named “Operation Vapers’ Dozen,” was carried out by the New York State Department of Health in collaboration with the New York State Police and the Bureau of Investigations. Through extensive undercover work spanning several months, investigators discovered that 12 businesses were unlawfully shipping vapor products purchased online, including enticing flavored e-liquids that are especially appealing to young users.
Among the businesses targeted were Nicless Vape and Delta 8 Geek, both of which are located in Fulton County. Nicless Vape also has additional locations in Albany County, while Delta 8 Geek operates in Albany and Warren counties. The investigation resulted in 28 criminal charges being filed, with 10 additional charges pending. Continued enforcement actions are expected, leading to further arrests and warrants throughout the week.
Regulatory Framework and Health Concerns
Under state law, shipping vapor products directly to consumers is strictly prohibited. Moreover, the sale of flavored vapor products is banned altogether in New York. Additionally, the law prohibits the sale of any vapor products to individuals under the age of 21. Violating these regulations can lead to serious legal consequences, including class A misdemeanor charges for the first offense, which can escalate to a class E felony for repeat offenders.
The illegal shipments discovered during the investigation included disposable e-cigarettes and flavored e-liquids with enticing profiles such as fruit, candy, soda, and dessert flavors. Many of these products featured bright colors and advanced designs, including digital display screens that resemble smartphones, thereby increasing their appeal to younger audiences.
Public Health Implications
This enforcement operation is a response to serious concerns about the rising prevalence of vaping among young people. Governor Hochul noted that several companies have constructed their business models around the illegal targeting of minors, making the enforcement efforts essential for public health protection. The New York State Health Commissioner, Dr. James McDonald, highlighted the significant health challenges posed by the widespread availability of e-cigarettes, especially among adolescents.
Scope of the Investigation
The investigation implicated 12 different businesses across multiple regions in New York State, including New York City, Long Island, the Capital Region, Western New York, and Central New York/Mohawk Valley. This extensive outreach reflects a comprehensive effort to combat the illegal sale and distribution of vaping products throughout the state.
The announcement of this crackdown comes as students return to school, underscoring the state’s commitment to ensuring environments that support healthy choices for young individuals. As schools resume, local officials hope that these enforcement actions will contribute to a decrease in vaping prevalence among young people and promote a safer community overall.
This large-scale operation signals New York State’s determination to enforce existing laws designed to protect youth from the dangers of vaping and ensure compliance among retailers in the e-cigarette market.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WGRZ: NY Enforces Largest Criminal Vape Action
- Wikipedia: Vaping
- WKTV: Illegal Vape Bust in Mohawk Valley
- Google Search: illegal vape bust
- CBS6: Schenectady Man Faces Multiple Charges
- Google Scholar: vaping health risks
- Democrat and Chronicle: Vaping Illnesses Warning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: vaping regulations
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
