Community Tip Leads to Significant Recovery by ABAT Officers

For Immediate Release: December 16, 2024
OPD News:

Community Tip Leads to Significant Recovery by ABAT Officers

The Oakland Police Department (OPD) Alcohol Beverage Action Team (ABAT) investigated a licensed smoke shop in East Oakland. On December 5, 2024, the ABAT team and officers assigned to the Eastend Foot Patrol were acting on tips from community members that illegal activity was taking place at the shop in the 8500 block of Bancroft Avenue.

During the inspection, officers seized large quantities of prohibited-flavored tobacco products and a large amount of cannabis products, although the shop not being a licensed cannabis dispensary. Officers also confiscated various controlled substances, including Psilocybin magic mushrooms and khat. Two loaded registered firearms were seized, as it is illegal to possess controlled substances for sale while carrying firearms.

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.

OPD will continue to focus on educating store owners about the serious consequences associated with selling unlawful flavored tobacco products under the legal age of 21. The special enforcement provides an opportunity to keep the youth in our communities safe while holding smoke shops and business owners accountable for harmful and illegal activity.

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.