The San Mateo Police Department, in collaboration with local authorities, cracked down on non-compliant tobacco retailers this past week. Two businesses, Galaxy and Brothers Smoke & Fashion, were targeted for selling tobacco products without proper permits. The sting operation resulted in the confiscation of a large number of illegal tobacco and vape products, according to a press release from the San Mateo Police Department.
Galaxy, on East 4th Avenue, faced the seizure of around 1,100 tobacco items after the California Department of Tax & Fee Administration (CDTFA) cited them for lacking state and county permits. The San Mateo Police Department subsequently rooted out additional illegal vape products during their inspection. On the south side, Brothers Smoke & Fashion was found to have over 1,600 illicit products on its shelves, all of which were confiscated by the authorities, in violation of various state, local, and county laws.
The sweep was part of a broader initiative funded by a Department of Justice Grant, aiming to uphold tobacco regulations and support public health and safety measures. These enforcement actions highlight ongoing efforts by the SMPD and their partners to mitigate the illicit sale of tobacco and vape products within the community.
