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The operation took place in Stamford on Thursday, Oct. 20.
According to Stamford Police Assistant Chief Richard Conklin, the department NARC and Organized Crime Unit teamed up with the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction after receiving numerous complaints from parents and residents of underage sales.
During the sting operation, officers from both departments visited five Stamford businesses and at each business, minors were "readily" sold vape and tobacco products, Conklin said.
The businesses included:
- Mohegan Smoke, 946 Hope St.
- Mohegan Smoke Shop, 900 High Ridge Road
- World's Exotic Smoke Shop, 2284 Summer St.
- Landmark Vaping, 118 Broad St.
- Bedford Street Market, 27 Bedford St.
Each business was fined $300; no arrests were made, Conklin said.
"We learned many locations sold products to minors without any regard for the law," Conklin said. "This spurs us to make additional announced checks throughout Stamford."
A second offense fine is $500 and businesses are monitored by the state for the number of violations, which could lead to the loss of a license to sell tobacco products.
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