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HIGH SPRINGS – Two people have been arrested following an undercover operation targeting the alleged sale of nicotine products to underage individuals at a High Springs convenience store.

According to the High Springs Police Department, the investigation stemmed from numerous community complaints alleging that employees at a Chevron store located at 18828 High Springs Main Street were selling tobacco products to minors and alcohol to underage individuals and attracting youth from across the area.

On Feb. 11, 2026, an agent with the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT), working with underage operatives, conducted a compliance check at the store. Authorities allege that 62-year-old Kudamannage Luckshrni-Ramya Perera sold a nicotine product known as Blue Raz Ice to at least one underage operative.

Investigators reported that Perera requested identification from the underage operatives but proceeded with the sale despite the identification presented. She was subsequently arrested and charged with providing tobacco products to a person under 21.

Officials later confirmed that Perera had an active immigration hold issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Feb. 13.

A second undercover operation was conducted on Feb. 19. Authorities allege that 57-year-old Bhavesh Jayantilal Amin, identified as the store owner, sold a vape product to an underage operative during the compliance check.

Amin was also charged with providing tobacco products to a person under 21. Court records show he has five prior misdemeanor convictions. Judge Jonathan Ramsey ordered Amin released on his own recognizance.

The operation was conducted jointly by HSPD and ABT, with ABT serving as the lead agency for Perera’s arrest and HSPD serving as the lead agency for Amin’s arrest.

HSPD Chief Antoine Sheppard addressed the enforcement action in a statement, saying, “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.”

The charges against both individuals remain pending.

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Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

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