TOB officials: $230K in illegal vapes seized in Deer Park raid
Town officials say the investigation began after multiple community complaints.
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The Town of Babylon says about 9,000 illegal flavored vapes and other illicit products were confiscated from Vapor Depot Smoke Shop on Deer Park Avenue during a raid last Monday.
“It’s probably worth about $230,000,” said Jorge Rosario, a senior assistant town attorney. “We just had no idea of the quantity.”
Town officials say the investigation began after multiple community complaints. An undercover investigator later purchased a flavored vape from the shop, which is illegal to sell in New York, prompting the raid.
Authorities say a neighboring business was being used to store large quantities of the products.
Despite the raid, the shop is still allowed to operate but must reduce its merchandise by 40% to comply with zoning regulations or face closure.
The owners were issued several summonses, including for the unlawful sale of flavored vapes and for lacking a certificate of occupancy related to the products. They are due back in court on May 1.
News 12 visited the shop Monday night and spoke with an employee who contacted the owner, but the owner declined to comment.
