The Oakland Police Department's Alcohol Beverage Action Team (ABAT) recently carried out a crackdown on illegal tobacco sales in West Oakland. Acting on tips from the locals, ABAT zeroed in on an unlicensed smoke shop located on the 3200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Way last Friday. The investigation led to the confiscation of illicit flavored tobacco products and cigarettes lacking state taxation, both of which are against California’s stringent tobacco regulations, as per the Oakland Police Department.
According to the findings, the business operated without a California Department of Tax and Fee tobacco license and lacked a City of Oakland Tobacco Retail License. Despite the illicit nature of the operations, no arrests were made during the crackdown, but the case has been turned over to the Alameda County District Attorney's Office for further review and potential civil charges. The enforcement action stems from a three-year grant by the California Department of Justice, supported by Proposition 56 funds dedicated to such operations.
In their ongoing strategies to halt illegal tobacco sales, the OPD emphasizes the importance of store owner education concerning the sale of illegal tobacco products, particularly flavored ones. They maintain a commitment towards community safety and building trust among Oakland residents.
OPD encourages West Oakland residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious or illegal tobacco-related activities, especially those targeted at minors. Information-seeking individuals are urged to contact the ABAT Complaint Hotline at (510) 777-8677.
