2,761 Pounds of Illicit Vape Products Seized in Orange County, Hochul Reports

MIDDLETOWN, N.Y.—Local police have seized a shipment of 2,761 pounds of illicit vape products linked to distribution company Demand Vape, which officials allege has been illegally shipping vape products throughout the state.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said on March 19 that a shipment of two pallets and more than 60 boxes of illicit vape products was seized by the Town of Montgomery Police Department with help from the Orange County Department of Health.

The governor also said that a 26,000-pound illegal shipment of vape products was intercepted by the Nassau County Police Department with the support of the Nassau County Department of Health. Both seizures were connected to a three-month investigation into Buffalo-area distributor Demand Vape.

An investigation by the Department of Health’s Bureau of Investigations found that Demand Vape has been shipping large quantities of vape products across the state to distributors and unlicensed retail shops. Distributors cannot legally ship vape products to these shops and sub-distributors in New York state.

The operation and seizures received support and approval from Hochul and State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. The announcement stated that getting the products out of circulation helps communities and young New Yorkers.

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said in the announcement that he is thankful for the governor and local law enforcement’s efforts to keep Orange County 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,” he said.

The governor’s office said in the announcement that the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office will be pressing criminal charges against Demand Vape and its owner.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office did not respond to The Epoch Times’ request for confirmation.

Demand Vape and its affiliates have been in legal battles with New York since 2023, when New York City sued the company for breaking multiple federal, state, and city laws by selling their flavored vapes in New York City. Demand Vape was also sued by New York Attorney General Letitia James in February 2025 for illegal distribution and otherwise fueling youth vaping issues.