Governor Abbott directs DPS to increase operations targeting noncompliant vape retailers
Austin, Texas – In a new move to protect youth across the state, Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to intensify enforcement efforts on vape and smoke shops that are not following state law. The governor emphasized the urgency of this action as part of a broader effort to safeguard children from harmful hemp-based products.
“Texas will protect children from dangerous hemp products,” Governor Abbott stated. “I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to increase surveillance and enforcement of any vape and smoke shop violating Texas law. Texas will prioritize protecting our children.”
Under Governor Abbott’s directive, DPS’ Criminal Investigations Division (CID) will lead a series of targeted enforcement actions. These operations will identify specific shops suspected of illegal practices. After identifying such businesses, CID will collaborate with state, local, and federal law enforcement to carry out thorough inspections to uncover any violations.
Following these inspections, CID Special Agents will launch undercover operations to detect ongoing illegal activity, while also pursuing broader criminal investigations. Any products seized during these operations will be analyzed by the DPS Crime Lab. If violations are confirmed, charges will be brought against employees and store owners found to be breaking the law.
Ongoing Push for Safety
This directive comes shortly after the Governor’s recent executive order in August, where he called on the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, and DPS to take immediate steps to shield Texas children from the potential dangers of hemp-derived products. That order stressed the importance of staying aligned with federal guidelines while also preserving the freedoms of responsible adult consumers.
With the latest order, DPS is expected to make full use of its law enforcement partnerships at every level to track down and address shops selling unregulated or harmful products. These joint operations will focus not only on identifying and shutting down illegal activities but also on ensuring long-term compliance with state laws.
This crackdown signals Texas’ renewed commitment to child safety and marks a significant shift toward tougher regulatory enforcement in the vape and smoke shop industry.
