Nearly 700 Vape Products Seized From Store In Ocean County, Officials Say

LAKEHURST, NJ — Nearly 700 vape products were seized and a Lakehurst store cited in connection with the sale of flavored vape products, Ocean County officials said.

Lakehurst Lucky 7, at 408 Route 70, was issued a summons on Aug. 16, following an investigation prompted by a complaint, officials said.

The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs received a complaint in late July that the store was selling flavored vape items.

Flavored vape products were banned in New Jersey under a law signed in 2020 by Gov. Phil Murphy, primarily over concerns that flavored products were being used to market vaping to children.

An on-scene investigation conducted by the Division of Weights and Measures resulted in 698 pieces of illegal vape products being seized, said Ronald Heinzman, director of the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Weights and Measures Superintendent Richard Aubin and Assistant Superintendent Brian Decasse led the investigation, Heinzman said. The Lakehurst Police Department assisted, he said.

Laura Comer, prosecutor for the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs, will be handling the case for the county, officials said.

"I want to compliment Director Heinzman and the entire department for its efforts to protect our residents, and especially our children," said Joseph H. Vicari, director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. "I can assure anyone that tries to sell illegal products in our county that the Department of Consumer Affairs will remain vigilant and will prosecute the offenders to the full extent of the law."