For Immediate Release: May 23, 2025
OPD News:
ABAT UNIT SHUTS DOWN ILLEGAL MARIJUANA OPERATION
The Oakland Police Department's Alcohol Beverage Action Team (ABAT), the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), and the California Department of Public Health Food and Drug Branch (CDPH) conducted a joint inspection of a smoke shop in the 3500 block of International Boulevard. The investigation revealed the unlicensed sale of marijuana and other contraband products to the public.
During the inspection on May 15, 2025, investigators seized marijuana, flavored tobacco products, untaxed out-of-state tobacco, and adulterated food items. The business was operating without the required licenses and permits to sell cannabis or tobacco products. Officers cited one adult male for possessing a controlled substance.
Sergeant Jennifer Sena of OPD's ABAT unit led the investigation, which was initiated in response to ongoing community complaints. "We appreciate the community's role in holding businesses accountable and working with us to improve neighborhood safety," said Sgt. Sena.
The OPD ABAT unit appreciates the support and collaboration of its investigative partners at CDTFA and CDPH and the City of Oakland's Inspection Team 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.