Community Tips Lead to an Arrest at an Illegal Smoke Shop

Published on July 10, 2025

Photo of illegal assault weapon, along with a handgun, multiple pre-packaged bags of marijuana, untaxed cigarettes, and flavored tobacco products.

For Immediate Release: July 10, 2025

OPD News:

The Oakland Police Department (OPD) Alcohol Beverage Action Team (ABAT) investigated an unlicensed smoke shop in East Oakland. On July 3, 2025, ABAT officers responded to tips from community members indicating that illegal activity was taking place at a shop in the 3500 block of Foothill Boulevard.

Through the coordinated efforts with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), and the California Department of Public Health's Food and Drug Branch (CDPH), officers were able to take an illegal assault weapon off the street, along with a handgun, multiple pre-packaged bags of marijuana, untaxed cigarettes, and flavored tobacco products.

One suspect was taken into custody, and the case is in the hands of the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. The Oakland City Attorney's Office will follow up with legal action against the tenants, including civil charges and potential eviction.

The California Department of Justice funded this special enforcement, supported by the Proposition 56 Grant.

OPD remains committed to community safety and building trust with residents.

We encourage community members to continue reporting any suspicious or illegal activities related to sales of tobacco products and sales to minors in Oakland to our ABAT Complaint Hotline at (510) 777-8677.