The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Summerville Police Department and Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force announced today the successful completion of an undercover sting operation targeting businesses that illegally sold vaping products to underaged persons in violation of state law.

During this operations, officers from the three agencies—assisted by underage operatives working under the direct supervision of law enforcement—conducted compliance checks at multiple retail locations in the City of Summerville and unincorporated Chattooga County. The operation resulted in the arrests for the unlawful sale of nicotine vaping products to persons under the age of 21.  Those businesses that illegally sold the products are:

·         Quick Food Mart, located at #11161 Hwy 27, Summerville

·         Golden Package, located at #10707 Commerce St., Summerville

·         George’s Kwik Service, located at #959 Highland Ave., Summerville

·         Hi-Tech/Community Shop located at #4375 Hwy 27 in Gore

In these cases, the employees either failed to check IDs or knowingly sold to underage buyers. All suspects face charges under O.C.G.A. § 16-12-171 in Georgia, which prohibits the sale of alternative nicotine products or vapor products to individuals under 21.

The following individuals are being charged as a result of the sting:

·         Shahid Mushtaq of Cartersville, GA

·         Melissa Kay Beavers of Summerville, GA

·         Puravkumar C. Patel of Summerville, GA

·         Taraneer Singh of Rome, GA

·         Mahashin Habib of Summerville, GA

This operation was conducted in direct response to growing concerns from parents, schools, and community leaders about the rise of underage vaping. Protecting the health and safety of our youth is a top priority.  Law enforcement wants to send a clear message to these businesses – If you sell nicotine products to minors, you will be held accountable.

In these cases, store clerks either failed to check IDs or knowingly sold to underage buyers. All suspects face charges under O.C.G.A. § 16-12-171 in Georgia, which prohibits the sale of alternative nicotine products or vapor products to individuals under 21.

The businesses found in violation may also be subject to administrative penalties, including fines or license suspension, pending review by the appropriate regulatory agencies.

Law enforcement will continue conducting periodic compliance checks throughout the year to ensure continuing compliance with both state and local laws.  Anyone with information about illegal sales of tobacco or vaping products to minors is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency.

Authority

Sheriff Mark Schrader, Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office

Chief Brian Ozment, Summerville Police Department