Full Notification

PRESS RELEASE
18-017
POLICE CONDUCT CANNABIS STING

HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – June 1st, 2018 – On May 23rd, 2018, the Hollister Police Department (HPD) conducted an undercover sting operation targeting cannabis delivery companies operating illegaly within the city limits.

The Hollister Police Department has learned that some companies have been operating cannabis delivery services within the city limits. While state law allows for the delivery of cannabis products, the companies and drivers must still comply with local ordinances. There are currently no businesses licensed to conduct personal cannabis delieveries for either medical or adult use in Hollister.

Over the past few months, Hollister Police Officers have come across three (3) separate delivery drivers making illegal transactions. Officer Chris Wells, whose primary job duty is focusing on cannabis compliance within the city, conducted follow up with each of these incidents. He issued each of the delivery drivers a citation for violating the Hollister Municipal Code (HMC) at those times. The fine for these cannabis related violations is $1,000.00.

On May 23rd, 2018, Officer Wells targeted companies who advertised that they delivered either medical and adult use cannabis. The HPD would like to thank the Agents from the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Taskforce (UNET) who assisted in this operation. HPD and UNET contacted each of the delivery drivers when they arrived to make the sales transactions. Each driver was issued a citation for violating the HMC and was released at the scene.

One of the drivers who was cited had previously been cited for the same violation. Officer Wells is conducting follow up investigations with each of the companies contacted and will be contacting any other companies who advertise delivery services in Hollister. The reports will be forwarded to the San Benito County DA’s office for any additional criminal charges.

The City of Hollister would like to remind everyone that there is a legal way for companies to obtain their delivery licenses. Cannabis dispenseries who are interested in obtaining their delivery license in Hollister are asked to contact our Cannabis Affairs Manager, Maria Mendez, at (831) 636-4360. The Hollister Police Department would like to thank the concerned residents who have contacted us with information about these companies.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Officer Chris Wells at The Hollister Police Department at 831-902-8733. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
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Prepared by: Officer C. Wells
Approved by: D. Winn, Lieutenant
Case #18-1525, 18-1527, 18-1529