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.
The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the remaining nine businesses inspected were in compliance with the law. Those businesses included Corner Market & Deli and Lander Grocery & Liquor in Stevinson; Family Market, Dollar General Store, Kings Market, Walgreens, KWIK SERV, and Hilmar Smoke Shop in Hilmar; and Cottonwood Liquor in Delhi.
Sheriff’s officials stated that similar compliance operations will continue throughout Merced County to uphold tobacco laws and educate businesses on legal requirements. The department also thanked Merced County Public Health for its assistance during the operation.
