SMOKE SHOPS ENFORCEMENT OPERATION

Published: 09/24/2026

SMOKE SHOPS ENFORCEMENT OPERATION

The Riverside Police Department Vice Unit has conducted sustained enforcement operations targeting smoke shops operating unlawfully within the Magnolia Corridor and adjacent areas of the City of Riverside. These actions were initiated following an increase in citizen complaints, observed narcotics-related activity, and intelligence indicating criminal conduct associated with several smoke shop establishments. Vice Unit investigations have also documented that several of these smoke shops have attracted individuals involved in ongoing criminal activity, leading to increases in loitering, disturbances, and calls for service in the surrounding area. These businesses have become focal points for criminal activity and other unlawful conduct, creating significant disruptions for nearby residents and businesses. The Vice Unit identified multiple smoke shops engaged in violations of state and municipal law. Documented criminal activity included:

• Distribution and sale of illegal narcotics

• Distribution and sale of nitrous oxide for the purpose of intoxication

• Distribution and sale of kratom/7-OH products

• Distribution and sale of drug paraphernalia

• Possession of firearms and other weapons

• Operation of illegal gambling

• Money laundering

• Sales of NOS, Vapes, and THC products to Minors

• Operation without required permit(s)

As a result of these investigations, the Vice Unit, in partnership with the City Attorney's Office, successfully facilitated the closure of nine smoke shops through legal proceedings on the Magnolia corridor and an additional eight shops citywide. These closures were supported by evidence of ongoing criminal conduct and violations posing significant public safety risks to the surrounding community. Several other smoke shops in the city remain under active investigation. The Vice Unit, in partnership with the City Attorney's Office, continues to conduct proactive operations to identify unlawful activity, pursue appropriate enforcement action, and maintain safety and regulatory compliance within the city.

Listed below are the smoke shops that have been shut down:

MAGNOLIA CORRIDOR

Glass Roots - 10187 Magnolia Ave.

Rodeo - 11170 Magnolia Ave.

Cloudy Smoke Shop 2 - 10197 Hole Ave.

Zanga - 10321 Magnolia Ave.

Quality Tobacco - 9627 Magnolia Ave.

High Monkey - 9246 Magnolia Ave.

Tobacco Island - 6675 Magnolia Ave.

House of Hookah - 10759 Magnolia Ave.

Top Shelf Smoke Shop - 10759 Magnolia Ave.

CITYWIDE

Platinum Smoke - 3271 Arlington Ave.

Iowa Smoke and Vape - 3375 Iowa Ave.

Raf's Smoke Shop - 7580 Indiana Ave.

Plug Smoke & Co. - 18000 Van Buren

Smoke 4 Less/ VB Smoke - 5509 Van Buren.

Natt's Smoke Shop - 1709 Main St.

951 Smoke Shop - 8041 Cypress Ave.

Heavy Clouds - 19069 Van Buren Blvd.