Pressure mounts on Mamdani to 'continue the fight' on illicit Chinese vapes flooding NYC
NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani faces pressure to address the influx of illicit Chinese vapes, a growing concern due to health risks and criminal activity.Summary
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is under increasing pressure to address the widespread issue of illicit Chinese vapes flooding the city's markets and bodegas. Former officials warn that New York City has long been a hub for the illegal tobacco market, and the vape trade is no exception. The Adams administration previously made significant strides in enforcement, seizing over 1,200 pounds of illicit products worth over $80 million, and suing major distributors. Concerns extend beyond public health, as investigations reveal many smoke shops are linked to narcotics trafficking and money laundering. Despite a federal ban and $200 million allocated for enforcement, illicit vapes continue to reach U.S. consumers, with over 80% of vapes sold nationwide being unauthorized. Mamdani’s stance is unclear, particularly given his pledge to cut fees for small businesses, including bodegas often cited for vape violations.
(Source：Fox News)
