WESTPORT — After learning that Westport students had purchased nicotine products from Cedars Smoke Shop, the Westport Board of Health voted last week to suspend the shop’s license for 60 …
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WESTPORT — After learning that Westport students had purchased nicotine products from Cedars Smoke Shop, the Westport Board of Health voted last week to suspend the shop’s license for 60 days.
Westport Police had begun an investigation of the 35 State Road business (near the Fall River line) after several students at Westport Junior/Senior High School were found at school with various nicotine projects, said Detective Sergeant Christopher Dunn.
Their investigation revealed that the products had been purchased from Cedars Smoke Shop, whose president is listed as Walid T. Assi of 187 Thomas St., Fall River.
School Resource Officer Kyle Fernandes contacted Marilyn Edge, tobacco control director for the City of Fall River. Ms. Edge also directs a collaborative that enforces tobacco laws for various Bristol County communities including Westport.
Officer Fernandes conducted several compliance checks in which an underage individual attempted to purchase nicotine products. The business sold to this individual on three different occasions, police said, never asking for any identification.
Ms. Edge also did compliance checks of the business and, on two separate occasions, an underage person and was able to buy nicotine products.
Also during the investigation, Massachusetts State Trooper Paul Martin happened to be driving by the shop and noticed a group of young people leaving the shop with smoking products. Trooper Martin spoke with the children, seized illegal items, returned to the shop and spoke with Mr. Assi about the improper sale. Mr. Assi was said to be argumentative and refused to cooperate.
At the hearing, evidence was given by Officer Fernandes and Ms. Edge regarding the recent compliance checks. Also presented was information on an earlier Federal Drug Administration violation for which Mr. Assi paid a fine.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention the use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for children, teens, and young adults.
Most e-cigarettes, whose use is called “vaping” of “JUULing,” said Westport Police, contain nicotine, as well as other harmful substances. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development which continues into the early- to mid-20s. Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future, studies have shown. JUUL e-cigarettes have a high level of nicotine; according to the manufacturer, a single JUUL pod contains as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes, police said.