OPD ABAT Cracks Down on Illegal Tobacco Sales in West Oakland

The Oakland Police Department's Alcohol Beverage Action Team (ABAT) seized illegal flavored tobacco products and untaxed cigarettes from an unlicensed smoke shop in West Oakland on June 6, 2025. This operation followed multiple community tips about illegal activities occurring at the store located in the 3200 Block of Martin Luther King Jr. Way. The investigation revealed that the shop lacked both a California Department of Tax and Fee tobacco license and a City of Oakland Tobacco Retail License, which are necessary for selling tobacco products in the area. Officers did not make any arrests but forwarded the case to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office for potential civil charges.

OPD plans to continue educating store owners about the serious consequences of unlawful tobacco sales as part of its commitment to community safety and trust. The enforcement was funded by a three-year grant from the California Department of Justice under Proposition 56. Community members are urged to report any suspicious tobacco sales activities to the ABAT Complaint Hotline at (510) 777-8677. This effort is part of OPD's broader strategy to combat illegal tobacco sales and protect public health.