A coordinated undercover sting operation led by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Summerville Police Department, and the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force has resulted in multiple arrests for the illegal sale of nicotine vaping products to underage individuals.
Announced this week, the operation was launched in direct response to mounting concerns from parents, educators, and community leaders about the growing prevalence of youth vaping. The initiative involved compliance checks at several retail establishments in both the City of Summerville and unincorporated areas of Chattooga County.
Under the direct supervision of law enforcement, underage operatives were used to attempt purchases of vaping products. As a result, multiple businesses were found in violation of Georgia law prohibiting the sale of vapor products to individuals under the age of 21.
The following locations were cited for illegal sales:
Quick Food Mart, 11161 Hwy 27, Summerville
Golden Package, 10707 Commerce St., Summerville
George’s Kwik Service, 959 Highland Ave., Summerville
Hi-Tech/Community Shop, 4375 Hwy 27, Gore
According to investigators, clerks at these locations either failed to request identification or knowingly sold products to underage buyers.
Five individuals are facing criminal charges under O.C.G.A. § 16-12-171, which governs the sale of alternative nicotine and vapor products to minors:
Shahid Mushtaq, Cartersville, GA
Melissa Kay Beavers, Summerville, GA
Puravkumar C. Patel, Summerville, GA
Taraneer Singh, Rome, GA
Mahashin Habib, Summerville, GA
In addition to potential criminal penalties, the businesses involved may face administrative actions, including fines or suspension of operating licenses, pending review by regulatory agencies.
“This operation sends a clear message to retailers: if you sell vaping products to minors, you will be held accountable,” said officials in a joint statement. “Protecting the health and safety of our youth remains a top priority.”
Law enforcement agencies plan to continue conducting random compliance checks throughout the year. Anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco or vaping products to minors is encouraged to contact local authorities.