NEWS RELEASE
October 21, 2025

Underage Vape and Alcohol Sales Enforcement Operation

After receiving numerous complaints regarding underage sales of vaping and tobacco products at multiple Celina locations, Celina Police Department detectives conducted a series of compliance checks using underage informants. Two businesses were also investigated for reported sales of alcohol to minors.

The operation was conducted on the afternoon of Monday, October 20, 2025. Of the five Celina businesses licensed to sell tobacco and vaping products, four sold to underage informants working under police supervision. The noncompliant locations were:

• Remedie’s Smoke Shop, 1107 N. Main St.

• Puff-n-Stuff, 419 S. Main St.

• Epic Vapes, 1921 Havemann Rd.

• VIP Smoke Shop, 944 E. Market St.

The Grand Lake Smoke Shop, 922 N. Main St., properly checked identification and refused to sell to the underage informants. The Celina Police Department extends its appreciation to this business for following the law and helping keep local youth safe.

In addition, based on complaints of underage alcohol sales, officers conducted checks at two Marathon gas stations—1027 N. Main St. and 515 E. Market St. Neither location requested identification, and both sold alcohol to underage informants.

All individuals involved in the unlawful sales of tobacco, vaping products, or alcohol are facing charges related to underage sales. Reports will also be forwarded to the Ohio Investigative Unit, a division of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, for review and potential administrative sanctions against the businesses.

During the operation, officers arrested Alaa Bilal Shahin, age 20, a Palestinian national, at VIP Smoke Shop for selling tobacco products to an underage person. Upon verifying his credentials, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) confirmed that Shahin’s visa—issued for pleasure—had expired. It is believed he was residing at the business. I.C.E. has placed a detainer on Shahin.

The Celina Police Department remains committed to enforcing laws that protect youth and ensure compliance among local retailers.