Editorial: Sting nabs workers of smog test firms

Three Las Vegans were arrested Monday for allegedly conducting fraudulent smog tests. In a two-month sting operation law enforcement agencies doctored the cars so they couldn't pass the test. When undercover agents brought them in, the technicians correctly noted the cars couldn't pass, but the state alleges the technicians then said they could take care of the problem for between $40 to $60. The state adds that the technicians then hooked the testing device to another "clean" car, passing it off as the "dirty" car instead.

The joint effort of the attorney general's office, Metro Police and the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles should send a clear signal that fraudulent testing won't be tolerated. Not only are consumers fleeced out of their money, but the air we breathe is fouled if smog test inspectors allow polluted cars on the valley's roads.

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