By Gina Yarbrough
Oceanside, CA–The Oceanside Police Department’s Special Enforcement Section, working with City Code Enforcement, seized more than 6,300 illegal flavored nicotine and tobacco products during a compliance operation at an Oceanside smoke shop on Nov. 18, authorities said.
Officers conducted the inspection at Oceanside Smoke Shop on Oceanside Boulevard. Officers said the business was found in possession of thousands of flavored tobacco products that are banned under state law. Many of the items were hidden behind the counter and not visible to the public, according to the Oceanside Police Department.
California’s ban on the retail sale or possession for sale of flavored tobacco products-enacted through SB 793 and Business and Professions Code 22974.2-is aimed at reducing youth access to nicotine products and curbing the appeal of flavored items known to attract minors.
Investigators also determined the business was operating without a valid tobacco retail license after previously failing multiple inspections, the department said.
The enforcement operation is part of routine compliance checks intended to ensure retailers follow state and local regulations. Authorities said these enforcement efforts are critical to preventing illegal sales to minors and reducing youth exposure to harmful tobacco products.
The Oceanside Police Department stated it remains committed to ensuring that local retailers operate responsibly and in compliance with state law.
