Businesses Cited, Tobacco Products Confiscated In SMC Enforcement Fueled By DOJ Grant

SAN MATEO, CA — The San Mateo Police Department confiscated illegal tobacco and vape products Dec. 15 at two local establishments, police said.

Working in partnership with the County of San Mateo and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, SMPD officer said they conducted inspections at the two businesses, looking for the sale of illegal tobacco products.

The first location, Galaxy at 207 E. 4th Ave., was cited for selling tobacco products without the required state or county permits, police said. Officers issued a citation and seized all tobacco products.

Police said they also confiscated illegal electronic vape products.

In total, around 1,100 illicit tobacco and vape products were removed from this location, police said.

A second business, Brothers Smoke & Fashion at 540 S. Norfolk St., was also found to be operating without a valid county permit. Inspectors identified and seized multiple types of illegal tobacco products. Police said they issued a citation and confiscated over 1,000 products in violation of state law.

Officers confiscated an additional 600 items for violating city and county ordinances.

These operations were funded by a Department of Justice Tobacco grant.