For Immediate Release: January 9, 2025
OPD News:
ABAT Officers Recover Stolen Property from a Smoke Shop
The Oakland Police Department (OPD) Alcohol Beverage Action Team (ABAT) and California Department of Tax and Fees (CDTFA) conducted joint inspections into an unlicensed smoke shop on December 27, 2024, in the 2400 block of San Pablo Avenue.
During the investigation, OPD and CDTFA learned the shop operated without state and city licenses for tobacco sales, cannabis dispensary operations, and necessary business permits. Officers seized a large quantity of prohibited-flavored tobacco products, cannabis products, and Psilocybin magic mushrooms. A Nuisance Abatement Notice was issued advising the store to terminate unlicensed activities and prohibit the sale of illegal products.
Officers served a search warrant on January 7, 2025, at the smoke shop and its attached warehouse, which led to the recovery of a stolen forklift connected to a 2022 burglary in Oakland and the seizure of additional prohibited tobacco products and psilocybin, a violation of the previous Nuisance Abatement Notice. Officers returned the stolen forklift to its rightful owner, and enforcement actions against the property owners and operators are ongoing.
No arrests were made, and the case was forwarded to the Alameda County District Attorney’s office for further action, including civil charges and potential eviction.
Additional City of Oakland departments are also investigating significant building and safety code violations identified at the property.
OPD remains committed to community safety and building trust with residents. We encourage community members to continue reporting any suspicious or illegal activities regarding sales of tobacco products and sales to minors in Oakland to our ABAT Complaint Hotline at (510) 777-8677.