NYC Sues 11 E-Cigarette Distributors

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 4: NYC Mayor Eric Adams says during the Q and A talks about law enforcement and the time-consuming task of closing illegal smoke shops as Hall Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix, the Corporation Counsel for NYC, and Mayor Adams announce that the City of New York has launched a lawsuit against eleven wholesalers for their involvement in the illegal selling of flavored disposable e-cigarettes, the most widely used vaping devices among teenagers in middle and high school on April 4, 2024 in New York City. The eleven defendants, who are based in Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and upstate New York, are accused of breaking federal, state, and local laws by allegedly distributing and continue distributing youth-friendly-flavored disposable e-cigarettes to retail vape and smoke shops, convenience stores, and direct to consumers online. Flavors include Strawberry Colada, Mellow Mint, Blueberry Energize, and Frozen Creamsicle. The lawsuit seeks damages and fines under state and local statutes, as well as an injunction to prevent the defendants from selling these illicit goods in the future. This lawsuit is a companion to the city's ongoing federal case from 2023. (Footage by Tomas Abad/Getty Images)