Tobacco Decoy Sting Operation
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On October 4, 2013, members of the Moorpark Police Department Special Enforcement Detail conducted a tobacco sting, using a minor decoy, in an attempt to purchase tobacco products at retail establishments in the City of Moorpark. The goal of these operations is to limit minors’ access to tobacco products and confirm that the local business’ are doing things right.

The minor decoy attempted to make purchases of tobacco products at 15 locations throughout the City of Moorpark. Cashiers at all of the establishments turned the decoy away without selling any tobacco products.

In an ongoing effort to prevent access to certain products by teens, the Moorpark Special Enforcement Detail will continue to conduct periodic sting operations dealing with tobacco, alcohol, and spray paint to confirm retailers in the area are doing their part to prevent minors’ access to these products in the community.

The Moorpark Police Department sees it as a success that none of the businesses sold tobacco products to the minor decoy.

Nature of Incident: Tobacco Decoy Sting Operation
Location: Various Retail Locations – City of Moorpark
Date & Time: October 4, 2013
Unit(s) Responsible: Moorpark Special Enforcement Detail
Prepared by: Sergeant Eric Tennessen
Media Release Date: October 4, 2013
Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Eric Tennessen at (805) 532-2716
Approved by: Captain Stephen Wade