NORTHSTATE, Calif. — On Wednesday Shasta County Sheriff's Deputies, together with the Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), conducted a youth decoy operation targeting tobacco sales.

The operation took place in the areas of the City of Shasta Lake, Shingletown, Old Station and Burney and involved two decoys under the age of 21 who attempted to purchase tobacco products. Out of 21 businesses contacted, four of them sold tobacco products to the decoys. Employees responsible for the sales were cites and the cases will be sent to the Shasta County District Attorney's Office.

According to the Shasta County Sheriff's Office, HHSA staff will follow up with the violating businesses for compliance checks and to address any related concerns. Authorities remind the public that the legal age to purchase and use tobacco products in California is 21.