Los Banos Teen Arrested After Selling Vapes to Children

Los Banos, CA (June 4, 2026) — A 19-year-old has been arrested following a Los Banos Police Department investigation into the alleged sale and distribution of marijuana and nicotine vape products to minors.

According to the Los Banos Police Department, officers and the Los Banos Unified School District had recently observed an increase in marijuana and nicotine vape devices being found in the possession of students. Police said some of the students involved were as young as third grade elementary school age.

The investigation began after School Resource Officers received information on May 4, 2026, about an Instagram account allegedly advertising and selling marijuana vape products to local students. Police said an extensive investigation was launched after the information was received.

During the investigation, officers identified two juvenile suspects, ages 17 and 16, who were allegedly involved in the possession and distribution of marijuana and nicotine vape products. Police said evidence obtained during the investigation included photographs, videos, and communications showing large quantities of vaping devices and cannabis products.

Officers later located and seized what police described as a significant quantity of nicotine and cannabis vaping products, along with additional contraband. The two juvenile suspects were released to the custody of their parents.

Police said 19-year-old Alexis Valverde was arrested and booked on violations related to the alleged sale of cannabis to minors and conspiracy. The allegations have not been adjudicated in court.

The Los Banos Police Department said it remains committed to working with the Los Banos Unified School District to help maintain a safe learning environment for students. Police are encouraging parents to speak with their children about the dangers of vaping, the risks associated with cannabis use, and the legal consequences of possessing or distributing these products.

The CDC states that no tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, are safe for children, teens, or young adults, and that nicotine can harm parts of the adolescent brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. California’s Department of Cannabis Control states that adult-use cannabis is limited to people 21 and older, while medical cannabis use requires a physician’s recommendation for those 18 and older.

Anyone with information regarding the sale of vaping or controlled substance products to minors is encouraged to contact the Los Banos Police Department.

Article Originally Published At: https://losbanosenterprise.com/community/crime/2026/los-banos-police-arrest-19-year-old-in-investigation-into-vape-products-sold-to-minors/