Decoy Operation Nabs 4 For Buying Tobacco For Minors

POMONA, CA — Four adults who purchased tobacco for underage teens were cited Thursday evening in a decoy operation in Pomona.

Officers conducted the operation between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. and used two decoys, ages 19 and 15, who waited outside stores that sell tobacco products and, after telling older adults they were under the age of 21, asked the suspects if they could purchase the tobacco for them, according to Sgt. Jon Edson of the Pomona Police Department.

A total of eight adults were contacted and four agreed to purchase tobacco. Once the tobacco was given to the decoys, the adults were detained and issued citations for furnishing tobacco to a minor, Edson said.

The violators were released pending future court dates, Edson said.

• ALSO SEE: Thanksgiving Turkey Trots 2019: Guide to Best In Greater L.A.

--City News Service