Two smoke shops with locations in Fulton County were busted for allegedly shipping vaping products in violation of state law as part of the largest criminal vape enforcement action in state history, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday.

The monthslong investigation, which was led by the state’s Department of Health in partnership with New York State Police, resulted in dozens of arrests and 38 criminal charges across the state, according to a news release announcing the statewide sweep dubbed “Operation Vapers’ Dozen.”

Under state law, vapor products can not be shipped to consumers, and flavored vapors are illegal to sell. It’s also illegal to sell products to anyone under the age of 21.

Monthslong investigation

But a monthslong investigation by the Department of Health’s Bureau of Investigations that included undercover purchases found 12 businesses unlawfully shipping vapor products that were purchased online.

Nicless Vape and Delta 8 Geek, which have locations in Gloversville, were among the 12 businesses targeted in connection to the alleged sales and shipment. Nicless Vape also has an Albany County location. Delta 8 Geek also has locations in Albany and Warren counties, officials say.

Businesses overall spanned the state, including five in New York City, two on Long Island and one each in Western New York and Central New York/Mohawk Valley.

The investigation has so far resulted in 28 criminal charges, with 10 others still pending. Additional arrests and warrants are planned throughout the week, according to the news release.

Shipping vape products is a class A misdemeanor, but subsequent offenses involving unlawful shipment and transport of vapor products are elevated to a class E felony.

What Shipments Allegedly Included

Many of the shipments included bright-colored disposable e-cigarettes and e-liquids in flavors that appealed to adolescents, including fruit, candy, soda and dessert flavors, according to a new release.

Some shipments included disposable vapes that were equipped with digital displays and “other tech-savvy features” similar to smartphones and other handheld devices popular among children.

“These companies built their business models around breaking New York’s laws and targeting our kids — now we’re holding them accountable,” Hochul said in a statement. “With the largest criminal vape enforcement operation in state history, New York is sending a message.”

Contact reporter Chad Arnold at: carnold@dailygazette.net or by calling 518-410-5117.

Students arrive at Northville Central School on the first day of the new school year.

First Day of School

A food pantry inside of One Church Street in Johnstown.

Several area artists are teaming up to raise money to create One Church Street’s Community Kitchen.

Several area artists are teaming up to raise money to create One Church Street’s Community Kitchen.

The Community Kitchen will be located at 1 Church St. in Johnstown.

Their artwork is part of an online auction called Art to Table. The auction is running until Sept. 17.

Bidders can register for the online auction by visiting https://givebutter.com/c/OCSArttoTable/auction.

“A fundraising consultant introduced the concept to us, but Linda and Lindsay Hinkle brought it to life,” One Church Street Steering Committee member Nancy Brown said. “The response has been absolutely heartwarming. We are heartened that so many in the art community see what a catalyst the One Church Street Community Kitchen will be for our community.”

Viewers of the online auction can see and bid on a variety of art offerings, ranging from a John Van Alstine sculpture to a Caroga Arts Collective private concert. Paintings, photographs, ceramics, mixed media, sculpture, woodwork and fiber art are included in the auction.

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