Redding Police have been using various means to enforce the state ban on flavored tobacco products, mostly to keep them out of the hands of young people. On February 5th a Cadet was used for a Shoulder Tap Operation, targeting customers outside stores to make purchases. Two adults were cited for agreeing to buy “Syn” nicotine pouches. On the 11th a minor decoy reportedly bought flavored nicotine products at the Cloud 9 Smoke Shop on Victor Avenue. Police say many banned products were found hidden and over 1,700 were seized. The clerk was cited. Last week stores were inspected. Over 60 products were seized from Smoke City on Hilltop Drive, and over 700 products were seized from A-1 Smoke Shop on Churn Creek Road. 2 more people were cited in Shoulder Tap Stings. The operations are funded by state grant money.
-Steve Gibson