x
Breaking News
More () »

Police charge two clerks in underage vaping operation

Thursday's police operation resulted in two clerks charged with selling tobacco products to customers under the age of 21.

LEESBURG, Va. — Police have charged two clerks in Leesburg with selling tobacco products to customers under the age of 21.

The charges come after the Leesburg Police Department Special Investigations Unit conducted an underage vaping operation at four local tobacco stores Thursday.

Investigators claim the following locations sold to underage buyers:

  • Tobacco Hut (356 East Market Street)
  • Leesburg Tobacco & Vape (707 East Market Street, Suite G)

Police say the clerks were each issued a summons for violating the state law that prohibits the purchase, possession, and sale of tobacco products, nicotine vapor products, alternative nicotine products, and hemp products intended for smoking to persons under 21 years of age. A violation is punishable by a civil fine.

“Operations like these send a clear message to retail establishments in town, that they are responsible for training their staff to properly follow the law to ensure that age restricted products are only sold to those of legal age,” advised Leesburg Police Captain David Smith. “For this reason, the Leesburg Police Department periodically conducts operations relating to the sale of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages to underage persons.”

The Leesburg Police Department School Resource Officer Unit in partnership with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office provides education on the dangers of vaping through the D.A.R.E. program to elementary and middle school students.

Guardians seeking additional information and resources are encouraged to talk with their child’s school resource officer. 

WATCH NEXT:

WUSA9 is now on Roku and Amazon Fire TVs. Download the apps today for live newscasts and video on demand.

Download the WUSA9 app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips.

Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter: Your forecast. Your commute. Your news.
Sign up for the Capitol Breach email newsletter, delivering the latest breaking news and a roundup of the investigation into the Capitol Riots on January 6, 2021.

Before You Leave, Check This Out