On Sept 7, 2023 at approximate 10:30 am, Constable Jeremiah Gunter of Precinct 2 in Orange County organized what he is calling a Vape or E-cigarette Sting Operation. Constable Gunter had a cooperating minor enter several convenient stores along with Vape Shops in Mauriceville and Vidor, in an attempt to purchase nicotine products.
Constable Gunter teamed Constable Precinct 4, Matt Ortego and Deputy Constable Marcelo Molfino. This operation was started because of the growing pandemic surrounding these nicotine products in and out of the schools and how easy it is for our minors to purchase these products.
Out of six locations in Mauriceville, five locations made a sale. Two of those location checked the minor’s drivers license and still made the sale. While continuing the operation in Vidor one store completed a sale of a vape product.
While conducting the operation at the Smokers Club in Vidor the clerk showed and displayed an illegal substance, THC wax, to the UC minor. After the Minor left the store Constable Gunter entered the store and confronted the clerk regarding the clerk’s conversation with the minor. At that time Constable Gunter seized an amount of what is believed to be THC wax. THC wax is a strong, purer derivative of Marijuana.
While speaking with the clerk Constable Gunter located a small box under the counter with an amount of US currency. The clerk made the statement to Constable Gunter, Ortego and Molfino that the money was used to make payments to the gambling machines. The business had 5 operating 8 liner machines. While continuing the investigation further action taken was the seizure of the gambling machine computer boards and money associated with the gambling operation.
It should be noted that each clerk who completed a sale to the UC minor will receive a citation for the sale. Constable Gunter would like to thank Constable Ortego and Deputy Constable Molfino for their assistance and to the citizens who have reached out with the complaints.
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