Royalty Tobacco Shut Down by NY AG for Repeatedly Illegally Selling Vapes to Minors

New York – In a stunning move to protect public health, Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Royalty Tobacco in Otsego County for repeatedly selling vapes to minors and violating state bans on flavored nicotine products.

The owners, Eysa Sharhan and Ahmed Mozeb, face accusations of disregard for New York’s public health laws. The duo has been caught red-handed in multiple illegal activities, including the sale of thousands of flavored vapes to underage customers.

Attorney General James expressed her determination to shut down Royalty Tobacco and ban its owners from the vape industry permanently. ‘Despite repeated warnings, fines, and license revocations, these business owners have continued to ignore the law and endanger young New Yorkers’ health,’ she said.

A multi-year investigation by the New York State Department of Health (DOH) revealed a pattern of illegal sales at Sharhan’s and Mozeb’s businesses. Their previous shops, Pop-In Smoke & Vape and Pufftopia, were both shut down after violations, but they opened Royalty Tobacco nearby to continue their illegal activities.

Under New York law, the sale of flavored vapor products with nicotine is prohibited, and selling any nicotine product to individuals under 21 is strictly forbidden. Yet, Sharhan’s and Mozeb’s stores continued to violate these laws, leading to numerous administrative decisions and fines over the years. With today’s lawsuit, Attorney General James seeks to put an end to this illegal conduct.

The AG thanked Commissioner McDonald and DOH for their collaboration in this important case, which is part of a broader effort to combat the youth nicotine epidemic. ‘Our children’s health and safety are nonnegotiable,’ said James. ‘We will not allow bad actors to put profits over people.’