Local Cigarette, Tobacco Retailers Targeted By State Officials

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Some local cigarette and tobacco retailers — including in Riverside County — were recently targeted by state officials for unlawful sales of cannabis products.

On Monday, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration announced that the agency, along with the state's Department of Cannabis Control, seized more than 150 boxes of cannabis products during statewide stings.

On October 23, investigators from the agencies focused their efforts on Southern California. Six teams were deployed across Glendale, Fullerton and Riverside. The stings — dubbed "Operation Safe Limits" — targeted 18 locations. In total, 117 boxes of cannabis products were seized, while another 76 boxes of cigarette/tobacco products were also seized, according to the CDTFA. Three citations were issued.

Then, on October 30, investigators looked to Northern California — specifically, Sacramento, Bakersfield and Fresno. Thirty-three retail locations were targeted, resulting in the seizure of 34 boxes of cannabis products and 25 boxes of cigarette/tobacco products. Twelve citations were issued, CDTFA reported.

During one of the inspections, authorities discovered a loaded firearm, ammunition, and 40 grams of narcotics, and over $20,000 in cash, according to CDTFA.

Department of Cannabis Control Director Nicole Elliott said that removing illegal products from the marketplace upholds "the integrity of California’s regulated cannabis industry."

She also cited safety concerns that illegal products can pose.

"These unregulated products lack basic and important protections for consumers and youth," Elliot said. "By ignoring state regulations, these retailers are putting public safety at risk and undermining the legitimate cannabis businesses that are operating within California’s laws."