MIDLOTHIAN – Midlothian Police Department’s Problem Directed Response Team (PDRT), the PD’s Warrant Service Team and investigators with the Criminal Investigation Division of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts conducted a joint compliance operation late last week to address the sale of nicotine products to minors.
“The health and safety of our community’s children are of the utmost importance to us,” Midlothian’s Assistant Police Chief Scott Brown said.
“Our School Resource officers maintain strong, trusting relationships with their students.
“When rumors began circulating on campuses that illicit products were being sold to minors at certain stores, our SROs immediately followed up.”
Brown said after gathering credible information, they notified investigators, and an operation was planned and executed.
During this operation, officers and investigators conducted compliance checks at 23 retail locations within Midlothian.
Of those locations, eight stores illegally sold nicotine products to minors. Additionally, one store was found to be selling imported, unregulated nicotine products, which were seized.
Brown said, “We have conducted operations like this in the past, with the most recent occurring in 2023.
“This week’s operation resulted in double the enforcement actions compared to previous efforts.”
“Future undertakings could take place in the future as needed
“We will continue to conduct similar operations to ensure our youth remain safe and our community standards are upheld,” Brown concluded.