Community Tips Lead to Enforcement Action at Illegal Smoke Shop

Published on August 01, 2025

For Immediate Release: August 1, 2025
OPD News:

The Oakland Police Department (OPD) Alcohol Beverage Action Team (ABAT) investigated an unlicensed smoke shop in East Oakland.  On July 31, 2025, ABAT officers responded to tips from community members that illegal activity was taking place at the shop in the 1200 block of Fruitvale Avenue.

Through coordinated efforts with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), officers were able to take a handgun off the street, along with multiple pre-packaged bags of marijuana and several containers of illegal substances, including crystal meth, MDMA “ecstasy”, psilocybin mushrooms, and tobacco products. The investigation revealed that the shop did not have a state or city license required for selling tobacco products, nor did the business possess a license from the Department of Cannabis Control.

The case will be forwarded to the Alameda County District Attorney’s office for criminal charges.  The City Attorney's Office will follow up with legal action against the tenants, including civil charges and potential eviction.

The special enforcement is funded by the Department of Justice Prop 56 Grant.

OPD remains committed to promoting community safety and values the role of public partnership in addressing crime and strengthening 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.