Smoke shop owners in Westchester County are on alert following a significant crackdown on illegal vape sales.

The Greenburgh Drug and Alcohol Task Force, comprising police agencies from eight different departments across Westchester County, has been actively inspecting smoke shops for violations over the past two months, with a specific focus on sales to minors.

During the two-month period, the task force conducted inspections of over 70 licensed tobacco-selling businesses. As part of their strategy, trained park rangers from the Department of Public Safety, all under the age of 21, were employed to identify and apprehend employees selling tobacco products to minors.

County officials have reported that most of the checks found businesses to be in compliance. However, a recent investigation last week uncovered a shop owner allegedly selling tobacco products to minors. Law enforcement discovered dozens of tobacco products that had been illicitly sold.

The countywide initiative aligns with the New York Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act, aiming to curb the use of tobacco products by minors.

"We don't accept that on the side you're going to tolerate doing these things. We want to deal with them straightforward and make sure that we're protecting our young people," said Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

The implicated business owner has received a citation and is currently awaiting a hearing. County officials emphasize that smoke shop owners found guilty could face substantial fines and the potential revocation of their tobacco license.