The Modesto Police Department has issued citations to eight local smoke shops following a compliance operation targeting the sale of illegal flavored tobacco products. Each shop was found in violation of California law, consistent with the sweeping state regulations aiming to curb the allure of such products, particularly among the young.

During the operation last Thursday, all eight establishments were inspected, and none were found to comply. This marks a concerning trend of non-adherence to Business and Professions Code 22963, which bans the sale of these flavored tobacco items. The cited businesses include Smoke Zone on Pelandale Ave, A&S Smoke Shop on Prescott Rd, J's Smoke Shop on W Orangeburg Ave, Smoke Outlet, on Kansas Ave, Maze Smoke Shop on Maze Blvd, West Side Smoke Shop on Paradise Rd, EZ Smoke Shop on Dallas St, and King's Smoke Shop on Crows Landing Rd.

According to the Modesto Police Department's Facebook post, the total haul from the sting included 1,635 illicit items ranging from wraps and cigars to vapes and flavored nicotine pouches. By taking such a substantial quantity of flavored tobacco products off the market, MPD has delivered a blow to the availability of these items, which are deemed particularly attractive to younger consumers, and whose sale is now clearly outlawed in the state.

This operation is part of the Modesto Police Department's efforts to protect public health and ensure compliance with state laws. The MPD emphasized their ongoing efforts to prevent the illegal sale of flavored tobacco, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy at all eight locations visited. They remain focused on upholding public health standards and tobacco sales laws in California.