Over one hundred weapons seized from a Watsonville cigarette shop, but the store owner, gets off scott free.

Last Friday night, police received a tip from the Watsonville Planning Commission that local discount cigarette stores were possibly selling tobacco and items that looked like weapons to minors.

Saturday, police conducted a minor decoy operation using three police cadets, ages 15 and 17. Police cadets receive training in minor decoy operations, must have parent approval and are under constant watch by police officers throughout the detail.

The following cigarette stores were visited:

CIGARETTE CITY

Cadets purchased a pack of cigarettes, a “switchblade knife”, a glass smoking pipe, and a lighter.

DISCOUNT CIGARETTES (on Freedom Blvd.)

Cadets purchased a metal smoking pipe, small folding knife, and a small shotgun lighter.

DISCOUNT CIGARETTES (on Main St.)

Asked for ID and refused to sell to the minors.

JACK’S CIGAR STORE

Asked for ID and refused to sell to the minors.

Monday, a follow-up visit was conducted at the two stores who sold to the minor decoys. Business Owner Kahlil Rahim, told officers his family owns all three Watsonville discount cigarette stores and voluntarily surrendered, for destruction, 150 illegal switch blade-style knives and an assortment of metal knuckles.

The Police and City Community Development Department will continue to examine the items these businesses are offering for sale and feel confident we have brought this matter to their immediate attention.

It is important to note the business owner, Mr. Rahim, provided full cooperation and promised to work with the City to help educate his employees about the dangers of selling tobacco and knives to minors.

The police department will postpone filing charges for the time being and will work toward continued compliance through frequent spots checks, decoy operations and business education classes.

source: kionrightnow.com

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