For Immediate Release: July 24, 2024
OPD News: Firearm Recovered After Community Complaints
The Oakland Police Department Alcohol Beverage Action Team (ABAT) has received numerous community complaints and information from outside agencies regarding illegal activities at a licensed tobacco and liquor store in the 700 block of Willow Street.
Around 9:00 a.m. on July 23, 2024, officers assigned to ABAT and Support Operations Division (SOD), along with other law enforcement agencies and Oakland Building and Code Compliance, conducted a joint inspection of the business. During the investigation, officers confiscated a large quantity of prohibited flavored tobacco products, cartons of unlawful tobacco products from out-of-state, and a large amount of a controlled substance. Additionally, a loaded firearm was also recovered.
While no arrests were made during the operation, the case will be forwarded to the Alameda County District Attorney’s office for further action, including civil charges and potential eviction.
OPD will continue to focus on educating store owners about the serious consequences associated with selling unlawful flavored tobacco products under the legal age of 21. The special enforcement provides an opportunity to keep the youth in our communities safe while holding smoke shops and business owners accountable for harmful and illegal activity.
OPD remains committed to community safety and building trust with residents. We encourage community members to continue reporting any suspicious or illegal activities regarding sales of tobacco products and sales to minors in Oakland to our ABAT Complaint Hotline at (510) 777-8677.
