New York Attorney General Letitia James, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health (DOH), has filed a lawsuit against G Smoke 360 Corp. and Liberty Smokeland. These companies, operating a vape shop in Ilion, Herkimer County, along with their owners Galal Kaid and Ali Al Shugaa, are accused of violating state laws by selling flavored e-cigarettes to minors and operating without necessary licenses.
The lawsuit was submitted to the Herkimer County State Supreme Court by Attorney General James. It claims that G Smoke/Liberty Smokeland (G Smoke) engaged in illegal activities such as selling flavored vapes without verifying customers' ages, among other breaches of New York Public Health Law. This legal action is part of a broader effort involving ten attorneys general nationwide to address the distribution and sale of flavored vapor products aimed at youth.
"Despite repeated enforcement actions and warnings, G Smoke has continued to flout state laws and sell harmful products to children, which is why we are taking action to shut their business down," stated Attorney General Letitia James. "New York has zero tolerance for businesses that prioritize profit over public health, especially when they put our children’s health at risk."
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald added: "Exposure to nicotine during adolescence can cause addiction and damage to the developing adolescent brain, lungs, and overall health." He emphasized DOH's commitment to reducing youth vaping through education and investigations.
A DOH investigation revealed multiple instances where G Smoke sold flavored vapes to minors without age verification. In one instance, a minor was sold a strawberry mango-flavored vape despite not having identification. Inspections showed over 5,700 packages of flavored vapor products displayed for sale in violation of public health laws.
Selling flavored vapor products containing nicotine at retail stores is illegal in New York. Selling any vapor products to individuals under 21 years old is also prohibited. Furthermore, G Smoke operated without a valid license.
Despite previous enforcement actions and fines totaling $285,700 issued in January 2024, G Smoke continued its operations illegally. Investigations conducted in May and August 2024 confirmed ongoing illegal sales targeted at youth.
Attorney General James aims to close down G Smoke permanently through this lawsuit while banning Kaid and Al Shugaa from selling vapor products indefinitely. The suit also seeks recovery of fines, penalties, and profits gained from these unlawful activities.
E-cigarettes pose significant public health challenges with severe consequences for young people. According to data from DOH and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), e-cigarettes are predominantly used by high school students in New York State. Nearly nine out of ten students who use e-cigarettes report using flavors.
This action continues Attorney General James's efforts against youth nicotine addiction since assuming office. Previous measures include securing $462 million from Juul Manufacturers for its role in the youth vaping epidemic in April 2023.
Joining this initiative are attorneys general from California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.
The case is being managed by Assistant Attorneys General Joy Mele and Ivan Navedo alongside Attorney General Fellow Charissa Kim under supervision from Deputy Bureau Chief Leslieann Cachola.
Information about e-cigarettes can be found here.
The New York State Smokers' Quitsite can be found here.
Drop the Vape Materials can be ordered here.