Point Pleasant Beach Smoke Shop Sold To Underaged Users: Police

Underaged users purchased vaping products at a store in Point Pleasant Beach on Monday, police said. This was the second time in a matter of months that the store was allegedly caught.

The latest was the second time since July that the smoke shop was caught, police said. Read more: Noble's Worker Sold To Underage Customers: Point Beach Cops

More than a dozen people have gotten sick from vaping products in New Jersey in recent weeks. Read more: NJ's Vaping Sicknesses Nearly Double In Growing 25-State Outbreak

The latest incident happened when detectives conducted an undercover operation at the Noble's Smoke Shop, police said.

The probe began after police received multiple complaints from residents and concerned citizens regarding underage individuals who were routinely sold vaping products, police said.

A similar operation occurred back in July. As a result of the July investigation, the owner’s daughter, Rachel An of Nobles Smoke Shop, was charged with three counts of selling nicotine products to people under the age of 21, police said.

As a result of this recent operation, the owner of Nobles Smoke Shop, Paul An, has now been charged with one count of selling nicotine products to persons under the age of 21.

Chief Joseph Michigan stated, “We will continue to focus our attention on this business, and any others that choose to profit off the sale of tobacco products to underage persons. I encourage all parents and guardians to sit down with your children and discuss the many dangers associated with use of tobacco products, especially our newest threat; E-Cigarettes.”

According to a survey funded by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2017 to 2018, e-cigarette use among high school students increased by 78 perceent.

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said the new data revealed the country "faces an epidemic of youth e-cigarette use," which he said "threatens to engulf a new generation in nicotine addiction."

The survey, commissioned by the FDA and CDC, suggested the surge in e-cigarette use among children and teens is likely due to the recent popularity of certain types of vaping devices, such as JUUL, which resemble USB flash drives. The product can be used discreetly, deliver high levels of nicotine, and come in sweet and fruity flavors like mango, watermelon and crème, that appeal to kids.

If you have information on businesses selling e-cigarettes to underage individuals please contact the Police Department (732) 892-0500.