Pleasanton Police Seize $130K In Illegal Products From 3 Smoke Shops

PLEASANTON, CA — Pleasanton police say they seized more than $130,000 worth of illegal products from three smoke shops suspected of selling products to minors, including psilocybin mushrooms.

On Aug. 8, Pleasanton police conducted a special operation in collaboration with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and Pleasanton’s Code Enforcement Officer to inspect the shops. Police say they found 4,200 units of flavored tobacco and psilocybin mushrooms, as well as multiple illegal cannabis products.

It is illegal for retailers to sell any flavored tobacco products in California as of January 2024.

Businesses on the 4600 block of First Street and the 6700 block of Santa Rita Road were found in violation were issued citations. Businesses found in violation of selling flavored tobacco were issued citations, and lost their license for seven days, according to PPD Sgt. Marty Billdt.

If they violate again, their license could be suspended for a year, Billdt said.

The operation was funded by a $430,000 grant from the California Department of Justice for school and community education about tobacco and enforcement operations that include retail stings and shoulder tap operations. Patch is awaiting word on whether it was confirmed that any of these businesses sold to minors.