Full Notification

In partnership with the County of San Mateo and the California Department of Tax & Fee Administration, the San Mateo Police Department conducted a tobacco retailer enforcement operation at two local businesses under a California Department of Justice (DOJ) tobacco grant program, resulting in the confiscation of numerous illegal tobacco products and vapes, and the detection of unpermitted tobacco sales at the businesses.
 
San Mateo, CA – On December 15, 2025, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the San Mateo Police Department (SMPD), in partnership with the County of San Mateo and the California Department of Tax & Fee Administration (CDTFA), conducted tobacco retailer compliance inspections at two local businesses.
During the operation, Galaxy, located at 207 E. 4th Avenue, was found to be selling tobacco products without a valid state or county permit. CDTFA issued a citation and confiscated all tobacco products on the premises. SMPD also seized additional illegal electronic vape products. In total, approximately 1,100 illegal tobacco and vape products were confiscated from this location.
 
Brothers Smoke & Fashion, located at 540 S. Norfolk Street, was also found to be selling tobacco products without a valid county permit. Inspectors identified multiple types of illicit tobacco products offered for sale. CDTFA issued a citation and confiscated more than 1,000 products in violation of state law, while SMPD confiscated approximately 600 additional items in violation of city and county ordinances.
 
These enforcement actions under the DOJ Grant were conducted as part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with state and local tobacco regulations and to protect public health and safety.
 
The San Mateo Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding the unlawful sale of illicit tobacco and vape products to contact us or their local law enforcement agency. Community cooperation plays a vital role in protecting public safety and ensuring compliance with the law. By working together, we can help prevent illicit tobacco and vape-related harm and keep our neighborhoods safe.