Lancaster, CA. October 16, 2025 -- The City of Lancaster, in coordination with the Lancaster Police Department (LPD) and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), has launched a citywide, multi-agency enforcement operation targeting smoke shops selling unregulated, unsafe, and illegal products.

The operation — conducted in partnership with the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and Los Angeles County Probation— underscores the City’s commitment to protecting public health and holding bad actors accountable.

The operation, which spanned four days, resulted in 20 completed inspections, 17 store citations issued, and 17 store seizures completed. Among the items seized were 168 boxes of illicit cigarettes and other tobacco products and 21 boxes of unlicensed cannabis products.

“These products might look like candy or snacks, but they’re not — they’re dangerous,” said Vice Mayor Marvin Crist. “If you’re selling products that put our community at risk, we’re coming for you. Lancaster is a City that protects its own, especially our kids.”

Investigators discovered unlicensed cannabis and hemp products that were never tested for safety, posing potential exposure to toxic pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and solvents. Many of the seized items were mislabeled or packaged to mimic familiar consumer brands, making them especially dangerous to children and teens.

Among the items seized were psychoactive hemp derivatives such as Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC, synthetic kratom compounds containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), nitrous oxide canisters, and flavored tobacco products.

“Our officers are finding these products in smoke shops across the City — unlicensed, untested, and marketed in ways that directly target young people,” said Lancaster Police Chief Rodrick Armalin. “We’re not just seizing products; we’re shutting down dangerous operations and holding sellers accountable.”

The ongoing operation has also uncovered illegal weapons such as brass knuckles and switchblades, along with evidence of illegal gambling activity in several smoke shops.

According to CDTFA representatives, some vendors were found charging full retail prices for untaxed products, potentially leading to significant CDTFA tax assessments and fines.

Preliminary findings suggest that many of these unregulated products originate from illicit supply chains connected to organized crime, undermining California’s regulated cannabis marketplace and posing serious risks to both consumers and licensed retailers.

This broad enforcement effort demonstrates Lancaster’s commitment to protecting residents, restoring integrity to local commerce, and sending a clear message: unsafe products and illegal activity have no place in the City.

“This isn’t a one-time sweep,” emphasized Vice Mayor Crist. “This is an ongoing effort to protect our community and make sure every store in Lancaster operates responsibly. We’re proud to stand with our law enforcement partners — and with the residents who help us keep Lancaster safe.”

City officials urge residents to help keep Lancaster safe:

• Do not purchase unlicensed or suspicious products.
• Check your home for items that mimic candy or legitimate snacks.
• Report shops selling unlicensed, dangerous, or mislabeled products.

Reports can be made through the Lancaster Police Department at (661)723-6063.

About The City of Lancaster

Lancaster is a diverse community of nearly 170,000, leading the future through science, technology, art, culture, and collaboration. Home to astronauts, rocket scientists, families, and innovative businesses large and small, we are leading the USA with innovation. Combined with spectacular landscapes and clean air, Lancaster has the confidence, expertise, spirit, and imagination to transform tomorrow. We are: Creating a better tomorrow. Visit us at www.cityoflancasterca.gov.

The Lancaster Police Department is steadfastly committed to providing superior public safety services to all who live, work, and visit our City. They work alongside the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station to uphold the peace and enhance the quality of life in Lancaster. The Lancaster Police Department proudly embraces state-of-the-art technology, data-driven decision-making processes, and community-oriented policing strategies to address the unique needs and concerns of our citizens.

About the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration

CDTFA collects and administers sales and use taxes for the state, as well as more than 40 additional tax and fee programs, including cigarette and tobacco taxes and the cannabis tax. CDTFA-administered programs generate nearly $100 billion a year to support essential services, including public safety and health, transportation, libraries, schools, social services, and natural resource management.

Its inspectors routinely visit tobacco retailers to ensure they have the required permits, accounts, and licenses and are following state laws, including California’s Flavored Tobacco laws. They have the authority to seize flavored tobacco products and flavor enhancers, which were banned in 2022. CDTFA also has the authority to seize untaxed, counterfeit, or otherwise illegal cigarettes and tobacco products, as well as cannabis products from unlicensed businesses.