CR26-5907 Sunnyvale Department Of Public Safety Seizes More Than $114,000 In Illegal Products during Smoke Shop Enforcement Operations

Case Number: CR26-5907

Contact:
Paige Johnson, PIO
408-730-7299
[email protected]

SUNNYVALE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SEIZES MORE THAN $114,000 IN ILLEGAL PRODUCTS DURING SMOKE SHOP ENFORCEMENT OPERATION

Sunnyvale, CA - The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) conducted an enhanced enforcement operation at smoke shops across Sunnyvale in June and July 2026. The operation resulted in the seizure of 62 boxes containing 7,062 illegal products, including cannabis, 7-OH, flavored tobacco, and other items, valued at $114,575. Flavored nicotine vapes accounted for 76% of the total seizure value.

The three-phased operation responded to community concerns about the accessibility of tobacco products to minors. DPS partnered with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) and the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office to conduct inspections, seize illegal products, and issue enforcement notices.

Before the inspections, the Sunnyvale DPS Community Crimes Unit and Neighborhood Preservation Unit issued verbal warnings to smoke shop owners. DPS investigators then worked with CDTFA to conduct joint inspections at eight shops. Investigators also attempted to purchase illegal products, including flavored tobacco and nicotine products, illegal cannabis, 7-OH Kratom, and other untaxed products that are often marketed toward youth.

Monetary sanctions and Notices of Violations were issued to business owners, and Notices of Violations were also issued to property owners. DPS will conduct follow-up inspections to ensure businesses are complying with state and local laws.

"Effective enforcement requires patience and persistence, and our department and our law enforcement partners are committed to doing that work," said Public Safety Chief Dan Pistor. "If you choose to sell illegal nicotine or tobacco products, especially to minors, we will investigate and enforce the law to keep our community safe."

DPS will continue working with its law enforcement partners to educate business owners and protect the community from illegal products. Anyone with information about suspected illegal sales is encouraged to contact DPS at 408-730-7100.

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