NYC sues vape distributor over illegal flavored e-cigarette sales targeting youth

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced today a federal lawsuit against Price Point Distributors, Inc., accusing the Long Island-based company of illegally selling disposable flavored e-cigarettes that appeal to teens.

This lawsuit marks the latest in the Adams administration’s crackdown on illegal vape sales, which officials say disproportionately target young New Yorkers with flavors like “snow cone” and “strawberry shortcake.”

“Protecting young New Yorkers means stubbing out illegal vape and e-cigarette sales that target them,” said Mayor Adams. “Today’s lawsuit alleges that Price Point Distributors knew it was breaking laws by selling flavored cigarettes to New Yorkers, and even took measures to conceal these illegal sales from authorities.”

The City seeks to halt Price Point’s sales of flavored e-cigarettes, secure financial penalties, and deter further violations. Despite federal and state bans on these products, Price Point allegedly continued to market and distribute kid-friendly flavors directly to consumers and retailers across New York.

New York City Acting Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant emphasized the public health implications, noting, “By selling disposable vapes with kid-friendly flavors, defendants are putting profit before the wellbeing of young people. Flouting the law and fueling an epidemic of nicotine addiction among middle and high school students will not be tolerated by the City of New York.”

Today’s legal action follows prior suits and regulatory moves by the City against illegal vape sales. The administration also launched “Operation Padlock to Protect” in May, which has since sealed over 1,200 illegal smoke shops and seized more than $84 million in banned products.

New York City Department of Health Interim Commissioner Michelle Morse underscored the risks, stating, “These illegal sales signify an indifference to New Yorkers’ laws and health, especially the health of teens.” She highlighted that flavored e-cigarettes pose unique risks, making youth especially vulnerable to nicotine addiction and health complications.