People get arrested all the time for carrying illegal drugs, but tobacco? Sure, if the person carrying them is under 18. A Glenwood Middle School student learned that lesson this week after being caught carrying chewing tobacco. He was cited for being a minor in possession of tobacco.
Glenwood Police Chief John O’Connor says it’s is no different than carrying a pack of cigarettes. O’Connor says, "Any tobacco products, whether it is cigars, various types of chewing tobacco and cigarettes of course." He says they work closely with the schools to make sure everyone is following the law.
O’Connor says "The officers in our department in conjunction with the school routinely write citations for tobacco violations that is possession of tobacco products by under 18." He says carrying any type of tobacco can be a costly offense for minors.
O’Connor says "First offenders have a blanket 50-dollar fine plus court costs. Second offenders, 75-dollars and 100-dollars for the third offense." He says parents should take close note of this as they are the ones usually having to foot the bill.