The Oakland Police Department's Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco (ABAT) Unit conducted a special investigation at an unlicensed tobacco shop in the 5000 block of Bancroft Avenue, Oakland, where they uncovered and seized multiple firearms, illegal fireworks, and flavored tobacco vapor products, according to the Oakland PD Facebook post.
(Oakland PD)
During the preliminary investigation, officers found four firearms, two of which were assault weapons, numerous extended magazines, multiple types of narcotics, including marijuana, and illegal flavored tobacco vapor products. As of now, no arrests have been made, but the case is being referred to the Alameda County District Attorney's Office for charging and the Oakland City Attorney's Office for additional actions.
The Oakland Police Department continues in its efforts to educate store owners about the serious consequences for selling unlawful flavored tobacco products to those under the legal age of 21; these special enforcement initiatives aim to keep the youth in our communities safe while holding smoke shop and business owners accountable for harmful and illegal activity.
This crackdown comes after Oakland's City Council banned flavored tobacco products under Emergency Ordinance 13591 in 2020. Later, on November 8, 2022, California voters affirmed Senate Bill 793, which prohibited tobacco retailers from selling most flavored tobacco products, including vapes and e-cigarettes.
Individuals who witness prohibited sales of tobacco products, including sales to minors in Oakland, are encouraged to report these incidents to the ABAT Complaint Hotline at (510) 777-8677, via Oakland PD Facebook.
