NY DOH Seizes Over 28,500 lbs of Illicit Vape Products

NY DOH Press Releases 2026

Filed March 19th, 2026

Detected March 20th, 2026

Summary

New York State authorities, including the Department of Health and local law enforcement, seized over 28,500 pounds of illicit vape products linked to a major distributor, Ecto World. The operation targeted unlicensed distribution and sales across the state, with criminal charges to be pursued.

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What changed

New York State authorities, led by the Department of Health and in partnership with law enforcement in Nassau and Orange Counties, have seized over 28,500 pounds of illicit vapor products. The seizure follows a three-month investigation into Ecto World (also known as Demand Vape), a Buffalo-area distributor accused of illegally shipping products to sub-distributors and unlicensed retail shops across New York. This action highlights the state's commitment to combating the distribution of unregulated and potentially harmful vape products.

This enforcement action signifies a significant crackdown on illegal vape distribution within New York. Regulated entities, particularly distributors and retailers of vapor products, should ensure strict adherence to state distribution laws and licensing requirements. Failure to comply may result in seizure of goods, criminal charges, and potential penalties. The New York District Attorneys' offices in Nassau and Orange Counties will pursue criminal charges against Ecto World and its owner.

What to do next

Review current distribution channels for compliance with New York State regulations.
Ensure all vapor product distributors and retailers are properly licensed.
Verify that all distributed products meet New York State's regulatory standards.

Penalties

Criminal charges to be pursued against Ecto World and its owner.

Source document (simplified)

Public Safety Criminal Justice March 19, 2026 Albany, NY

Governor Hochul Announces Major Seizure of Illicit Vape Products in Nassau and Orange Counties

Governor Hochul Announces Major Seizure of Illicit Vape Products in Nassau and Orange Counties State Department of Health, in Partnership with Local Law Enforcement and Public Health Officials, Remove More than 28,500 Pounds of Vape Products from Distribution

Traducción al español

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that police in Nassau and Orange counties have seized more than 28,000 pounds of illicit vapor products linked to Ecto World, a major Buffalo-area distributor, following a three-month investigation into wholesale vape distribution across New York State conducted by the Department of Health’s Bureau of Investigations.

The investigation found that Ecto World, a Buffalo-area major distributor also known as Demand Vape, has been illegally shipping massive quantities of vape products to sub-distributors and unlicensed retail shops across the state, including the especially large shipments to Long Island and Orange County that were seized by police as part of this operation. These sub-distributors and unlicensed retail shops fall outside the narrow categories of businesses to which distributors may ship vapor products within New York State.

“Illicit vape products pose serious risks to the health of New Yorkers, especially our youth,” Governor 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.”

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “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. I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership in addressing the illegal distribution of vape products across the state.”

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said, “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 remains committed to working alongside our state partners to support safe, healthy communities and responsible practices.”

Shipments totaling more than 26,000 pounds, 25 pallets and more than 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 totaling about 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.

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.