Community Complaints Lead to Seizures at Unlicensed Smoke Shop

Published on October 27, 2025

The Oakland Police Department's Alcohol Beverage Action Team (ABAT) and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) inspected a shop in the 1400 block of Webster Street. Community complaints led to the investigation of the unlicensed smoke shop.

During the inspection on October 16, 2025, investigators seized psilocybin (mushrooms), cannabis products, flavored tobacco products, a large quantity of untaxed out-of-state tobacco, and two firearms. Officers also confiscated more than $4,800 in cash. The business was operating without the required licenses and permits to sell cannabis or tobacco products.

While no arrests were made, the case was forwarded to the Alameda County District Attorney's office for further action, including civil charges and potential eviction.

The OPD ABAT unit appreciates the support of our community members and the collaboration of its investigative partners, including CDTFA, during the operation.

Following the investigation, OPD will refer the case to the Alameda County District Attorney's Office and the Oakland City Attorney's Office for consideration of criminal and civil charges.

The ABAT unit remains committed to conducting multi-agency investigations, supported by the California Department of Justice Proposition 56 Tobacco Enforcement Grant, to target and disrupt the sale of illicit tobacco and cannabis within Oakland communities.