LASD-Led Crackdown in Los Angeles: 24 Arrested, Eight Tractor-Trailer Loads of Illicit Vapes and Counterfeit Goods Seized
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) announced on October 26 that a multi-agency search-warrant operation it led on October 22 swept 12 business locations in downtown Los Angeles and seized approximately eight tractor-trailer loads of illicit flavored vaping products, flavored tobacco and counterfeit merchandise. Twenty-four people were arrested. The operation covered the area from 3rd Street to Winston Street, between Crocker Street and Los Angeles Street.
Agencies taking part included the Los Angeles Police Department, the California Department of Justice, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the California Department of Public Health's Food and Drug Branch, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office. Those arrested face filing consideration for violations including Los Angeles Municipal Code 46.90.1 (prohibited sales of flavored tobacco), Business and Professions Code 22980.2 (selling cigarettes or tobacco without a valid license) and Penal Code 350(a)(1) (counterfeit trademarks).
Captain Tenaya Brown of the Community Partnerships Bureau said the operation underscores the department's ongoing commitment to combating the unlawful sale and distribution of illicit tobacco products, flavored vaping products and counterfeit merchandise, and called the collaborative operation a testament to that commitment. The department said the investigation remains active and ongoing, involving multiple cases and suspects. Tips can be reported to the Community Partnerships Bureau at (323) 981-5300, or anonymously to L.A. Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 洛杉矶县警局巡逻车。图片：维基共享资源，开放授权。
