Six businesses were cited
(NORTH VERNON, Ind.) – A Jennings County school resource officer conducted an undercover operation in an effort to curb teen vaping use.
Rumors were circulating about local gas stations allegedly selling vapes and electronic cigarettes to underage teens.
SRO Matt Miller was approached by administrators and concerned parents and decided to take a proactive step.
Miller organized a sting operation where an underage person would attempt to buy tobacco products from every gas station in Jennings County.
There were six businesses that allegedly sold tobacco products to the underage person.
Those businesses were Country Mark Fuel Center, Sunoco, Crystal Flash, Vernon Smoke Shop, H&H Smoke Shop and Marathon Fuel Center, according to the Jennings County Sheriff's Department.
Individuals at each location were cited for Furnishing Tobacco to a Minor and the sheriff’s department partnered with the Excise during the investigation.
"We wish we never had to conduct these type of operations. Our hope was that we would have zero people that were not in compliance with the law. We want to promote local businesses, however it is imperative that we stop the distribution of tobacco to the youth of our county. It was very alarming to find that children as young as middle schoolers were being sold tobacco products,” said Jennings County Sheriff Kenny Freeman.
Each business could receive a 3-day suspension of their tobacco resale licenses.
Commentaires