Merced County, CA (January 20, 2026) — Deputies with the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Merced County Public Health Department, conducted a minor decoy operation on January 20 to reinforce tobacco sales regulations and educate local businesses.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the operation targeted businesses in Hilmar, Stevinson, and Delhi. Under direct supervision, an underage decoy attempted to purchase tobacco products to determine whether businesses were complying with state laws prohibiting sales to minors.
A total of 10 businesses were inspected during the operation. Deputies reported that one business, Paradise Gifts & Apparel, located at 9722 Stephens Street in Delhi, was found to be out of compliance after selling a tobacco product to the underage decoy. The employee involved was cited, and five nicotine or flavored tobacco pens were seized from the business…