On Thursday, December 5, 2024, the Friendswood Police Department conducted undercover sting operations at seven smoke shops within city limits, targeting the illegal sale of E-Cigarettes to minors.
Undercover operatives aged 16 to 18 attempted to purchase E-Cigarettes from the businesses. Three of the seven shops—Puff City Smoke Shop, Smoke N More, and Smoke Town—sold the products to the minors.
As a result, employees Sean Stalcup, 32, Jaron Bryan-Prejean, 23, and Faisal Jetpurwala, 24, were arrested and charged with a Class C misdemeanor for selling tobacco products to individuals under 21. The offense is punishable by a fine of up to $500 upon conviction.
Friendswood Police Chief Rogers stated, “The Friendswood Police Department is committed to the health and safety of our local youth. By conducting these operations, we hope to discourage businesses from selling Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, or tobacco products to our minors. The department will continue to work these types of operations to ensure state laws are being followed.”
The department will also report the violations to the Texas State Comptroller’s Office. Retailers found guilty may face penalties, including the revocation of their state license to sell tobacco products.
