A coordinated undercover operation in Chattooga County has led to multiple arrests and potential penalties for several local businesses accused of selling vaping products to underage customers.
The joint effort involved the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Summerville Police Department, and the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force. Using underage operatives under close supervision, law enforcement conducted compliance checks at stores across Summerville and unincorporated areas of the county.
According to authorities, several retailers sold nicotine vaping products to buyers under the legal age of 21. In some cases, employees failed to request identification, while in others, the sales were allegedly made with full knowledge the buyer was a minor.
The following businesses were cited in the sting:
- Quick Food Mart, 11161 Hwy 27, Summerville
- Golden Package, 10707 Commerce St., Summerville
- George’s Kwik Service, 959 Highland Ave., Summerville
- Hi-Tech/Community Shop, 4375 Hwy 27, Gore
Individuals charged under O.C.G.A. § 16-12-171 include:
- Melissa Kay Beavers, Summerville, GA
- Puravkumar C. Patel, Summerville, GA
- Taraneer Singh, Rome, GA
- Mahashin Habib, Summerville, GA
- Shahid Mushtaq, Cartersville, GA
Law enforcement noted that, beyond criminal charges, the implicated businesses could face administrative consequences such as fines or suspension of their sales licenses, pending review by regulatory agencies.
The operation was prompted by growing concerns among parents, educators, and community leaders about the sharp increase in teen vaping. Officials say the protection of local youth from illegal nicotine sales is a top priority and warned that further violations will be met with strict action.
Compliance checks will continue throughout the year, and authorities encourage the public to report suspected illegal tobacco or vape sales to local law enforcement.
