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Staff Report
HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. – Two individuals have been arrested in High Springs for allegedly selling nicotine products to minors. Bhavesh Jayantilal Amin, 57, and Kudamannage Luckshrni-Ramya Perera, 62, face charges following an investigation by the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT).
On February 11, ABT agents, accompanied by underage operatives, conducted a compliance check at the Chevron located at 18828 High Springs Main Street. During the operation, Perera is accused of selling a Blue Raz Ice product to a minor. Despite reportedly asking for identification, she proceeded with the sale, resulting in her arrest.
Following her arrest, it was discovered that Perera had an active immigration hold by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Consequently, she was handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on February 13.
In a related incident on February 19, the store’s owner, Amin, was also implicated in illegal sales. He allegedly sold a vaping device to a minor during another undercover operation conducted by ABT agents.
Click here to watch video of Amin’s arrest from High Springs Police Department.
Both defendants were charged with providing tobacco products to a person under 21.
Amin has five misdemeanor convictions (non-violent), and Judge Jonathan Ramsey ordered him released on his own recognizance.
According to a social media post from High Springs Police Department (HSPD), the investigation followed numerous complaints that employees at the store were selling tobacco products to minors and alcohol to underage individuals intentionally and attracting youth from all over the area. HSPD and ABT conducted a joint undercover operation, with ABT as the lead agency for Perera’s arrest and HSPD as the lead agency for Amin’s arrest.
HSPD Chief Antoine Sheppard stated, “We have zero tolerance for anyone who sells alcohol or tobacco products to minors. We will continue working with our state partners to hold violators accountable and protect the youth of our community.”
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.