ATF, Gustine Police seize flavored tobacco, gaming machines in compliance sweep

GUSTINE — Several Gustine businesses were the subject of federal and local inspections last week as part of a tobacco compliance operation that resulted in multiple product seizures and the discovery of suspected illegal gambling activity.

Gustine Police Chief Ruben Chavez confirmed that the department had received numerous complaints from the public about local shops, prompting his officers to assist four agents with the California Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) during a citywide sweep of licensed tobacco retailers.

The coordinated enforcement effort began around 10 a.m. when ATF agents met with Gustine Police Department personnel. Two inspection teams visited four businesses in total. The first two stops—DG Market and Borelli’s Market—were found to be in full compliance with their tobacco licenses.

However, the second round of inspections, conducted at Seven Stars Smoke Shop (425 5th St.) and Richards Market and Liquor (427 6th Ave.), uncovered numerous violations.

According to authorities, both stores were found selling products prohibited under several California laws—namely Assembly Bill 3218 and Senate Bills 1320, 793, and 935—which outlaw the sale of flavored tobacco products statewide as of Jan. 1, 2025. Seven Stars Smoke Shop was additionally found selling CBD-infused items that are banned under the terms of its license.

Agents also located unusually large bottles of food-grade nitrous oxide, typically used for culinary purposes like making whipped cream. These items are known to be misused by individuals seeking to inhale nitrous oxide—or do “whippets”—to achieve a high. Officers urged parents and community members to remain alert about the misuse of such products, especially among youth.

The inspection of Seven Stars also led to the discovery of multiple coin-operated machines designed to dispense coins or paper currency as prizes. Though outside the ATF’s regulatory scope, Gustine Police determined the machines were not legal and seized them as evidence. The shop may also face action from the city’s code enforcement team, which documented advertising and structural violations to be addressed during follow-up inspections.

In total, three boxes of prohibited products were seized from Richards Market, while eleven boxes were collected from Seven Stars. Officials stressed that none of the items confiscated were legally allowed to be sold at those locations.

“The Gustine Police Department takes community concerns seriously,” said Chavez. “When you have multiple reports from residents and business owners about questionable practices, it’s our duty to follow up—and we appreciate the ATF’s collaboration in helping to keep our neighborhoods safer.”

The ATF’s investigation is ongoing and may lead to civil fines or penalties against both businesses. Local authorities also confirmed that further inquiries will be made into the coin-operated machines to determine if gambling laws were violated.

Despite the findings, Chavez noted the positive outcome at the compliant shops.

“It’s worth acknowledging that two of the businesses we visited passed with no violations,” he said. “That’s the standard we’re aiming for across the city.”

As Gustine continues to grow, Chavez said enforcement like this sends a message that compliance with public health and safety laws remains a top priority.

Follow-up inspections and potential regulatory actions are expected in the coming weeks.