Westport Police investigators executed a search warrant Wednesday at Cedars Smoke and Vape, 35 State Road, to seize surveillance video from inside the establishment. The business, which is incorporated, is listed as having a president, vice president, treasurer and secretary all in one person’s name identified as Walid Assi.

The investigation into the illegal sales of tobacco products to underage children was begun in February by School Resource Officer Kyle Fernandes. SRO Fernandes encountered several school children who were in possession on school grounds with Juul nicotine products.

“These products are known to be abused by kids in general as assorted Juul nicotine flavors include lemonade and other marijuana related ‘pods’ that can be utilized in a vaping instrument,” said Detective Jeff Majewski.

Throughout the investigation, Officer Fernandes sought the assistance of the Tobacco Control Commission which regulate businesses and the proper display and sale of tobacco items. Throughout the last month, Westport Police said there have been sales by Cedar Smoke and Vape to children as young as 12 years of age on numerous occasions.

During this investigation, Massachusetts State Trooper Paul Martin happened to be driving by the shop and noticed a group of children 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 argumentative and refused to cooperate,” Detective Majewski said.

Westport Police obtained a search warrant to seize the surveillance video inside the store which is believed to have captured multiple controlled sales to underage children during the investigation which were monitored by Westport Police.

The potential criminal charges include several counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and delivering cigarettes and nicotine to a minor.

The investigation is on-going at this time.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Westport Police Detective Division at 508-636-1122.