Hochul Announces 28,000-Pound Seizure Of Contraband Vape Products In Nassau, Orange Counties

NEW YORK — A massive seizure of vape products followed a monthslong investigation, according to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Hochul announced on Thursday that police in Nassau and Orange counties seized over 28,000 pounds of illicit vapor products linked to Ecto World, a major Buffalo-area distributor. The enforcement action follows a three-month investigation into wholesale vape distribution across New York conducted by the Department of Health's Bureau of Investigations.

Investigators found that Ecto World, also known as Demand Vape, has been illegally shipping large quantities of vape products to sub-distributors and unlicensed retail shops across New York, including the especially large shipments to Long Island and Orange County that were seized by police as part of the operation, according to Hochul. The governor said that the sub-distributors and unlicensed retail shops fall outside the narrow categories of businesses to which distributors may ship vapor products within the state.

"Illicit vape products pose serious risks to the health of New Yorkers, especially our youth," Hochul said. "This seizure is a major victory for public safety and a clear message that New York will not tolerate illegal operations that put our communities at risk."

Shipments of more than 26,000 pounds, 25 pallets and over 570 boxes of illicit vapor products were intercepted and seized through coordination with the Nassau County Police Department with support from the Nassau County Department of Health. A shipment of around 2,761 pounds, two pallets and more than 60 boxes was seized through coordination with the Town of Montgomery Police Department with support from the Orange County Department of Health.

"This significant seizure displays the Department's commitment to protecting the health and safety of all New Yorkers, particularly our young people, who are most at risk from these dangerous products," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership in addressing the illegal distribution of vape products across the state."

Criminal charges against Ecto World and its owner will be pursued through the Nassau County District Attorney's Office and the Orange County District Attorney's Office, according to Hochul.

"I want to thank Governor Hochul and our partners in law enforcement for their continued efforts to keep our communities safe. Actions like this help protect public health, particularly for young people and ensure that products being distributed across our region meet the standards New Yorkers expect," Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said. "Orange County remains committed to working alongside our state partners to support safe, healthy communities and responsible practices."