New York City has filed a federal lawsuit against four major distributors of flavored disposable e-cigarettes, arguing that the companies have violated a range of federal, state, and city laws. The suit aims to prevent further sales of the products, as well as to seek monetary damages and fines.
The defendants — Magellan Technology Inc., Demand Vape, Mahant Krupa 56 LLC (operating as Empire Vape Distributors), and Star Vape — are accused of selling flavored e-cigarettes that are popular among middle and high school students, both through retail stores and online.
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The city’s mayor, Eric Adams, and the Corporation Counsel, Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix, argue that the companies have prioritized profit over public health. They accuse the distributors of perpetuating an epidemic of e-cigarette use among young people, fueled by youth-friendly flavors and deceptive packaging.
The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges that the companies have committed mail and wire fraud, created a public nuisance, and violated various tobacco control laws.
In response to the increasing use of e-cigarettes among young people, the FDA banned flavored vape products in January 2020. New York City and New York state have also implemented bans. Despite these prohibitions, flavored vapes have continued to be sold illegally within the city.
The lawsuit represents a significant development in efforts to crack down on the illegal sale of e-cigarettes. The defendants’ products are particularly concerning due to their high nicotine content and youth-orientated flavors. Public health authorities warn that these factors contribute to a growing epidemic of nicotine addiction among young people.
