New Bedford Police Department charges store owner with illegal sales

“New Bedford police detectives have charged the owner of a local variety store with the illegal sale of alcohol and cigarettes.

Responding to complaints from community members, detectives kept watch over “Botas Vaqueras”, a store located at 1522 Acushnet Ave. A customer was observed leaving with Newport Menthol cigarettes which are not allowed for sale in Massachusetts.

Upon entering the store, multiple boxes of the cigarettes were found to be on display along with bottles of alcohol. Cigarettes were being sold by the box, as well as individually. Beer was being sold by the can and shots of alcohol by the cup. The establishment has no license to sell liquor, nor is it licensed for the sale of tobacco products.

The owner of the store, TOMAS XIRUM, 46, of 1522 Acushnet Ave. is being charged with maintaining a nuisance business and illegal sale of flavored tobacco. The numerous items of cigarettes and alcohol were seized.

The lead investigator is Det. Samuel Algarin-Mojica.

If you have any information on criminal activity in your neighborhood, the New Bedford Police Dept. wants to hear from you. You can leave an anonymous tip on our voicemail at (508) 991-6300 Ext. 1. You can also leave a tip at our website, www.newbedfordpd.com.” -New Bedford Police Department.