Police in Oakland said they seized illicit items, including illegal cannabis and mushrooms, along with weapons from an East Oakland smoke shop earlier this month.
On Monday, officers released details about an inspection that took place Dec. 5 at a licensed smoke shop on the 8500 block of Bancroft Avenue. Police said they began an investigation following tips from the community about alleged illegal activities taking place within the establishment.
“OPD will continue to focus on educating store owners about the serious consequences associated with selling illegal flavored tobacco products under the legal age of 21.” The police reported this in a statement. Special enforcement provides an opportunity to keep the youth in our communities safe while also holding smoke shops and business owners accountable for harmful and illegal activities.
During the inspection, officers from the Alcohol Beverage Action Team and Eastend Foot Patrol found so-called “large quantities” of prohibited flavored tobacco products and cannabis products. According to the police, the store is not a licensed cannabis dispensary.
Oakland Police Department
In addition to tobacco and cannabis, police also found controlled substances, including psilocybin mushrooms and khat. Police also seized two registered firearms and noted that it is illegal to possess controlled substances for sale while carrying firearms.
No arrests were made during the inspection. Police said the case had been referred to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office for further action.
Anyone with information regarding illegal tobacco sales or sales to minors is asked to call the ABAT complaint hotline at 510-777-8677.
