17 RivCo Smoke Shops Closed Following Vice Unit Investigation

RIVERSIDE, CA — Seventeen smoke shops in Riverside have been closed through legal proceedings, including nine in the Magnolia corridor, the Riverside Police Department announced Thursday.

The closures are the result of sustained enforcement operations by the department's Vice Unit in partnership with the City Attorney's Office following an increase in complaints from the public, according to the department.

Vice Unit personnel observed narcotics-related activity, and intelligence indicating criminal conduct associated with several smoke shop establishments, police said.

Further investigation led investigators to document that several of the smoke shops had attracted individuals involved in loitering and community disturbances, leading to multiple calls for service.

"These businesses have become focal points for criminal activity and other unlawful conduct, creating significant disruptions for nearby residents and businesses," the police department said in a statement.

Police said multiple targeted smoke shops were involved in violations including the distribution and sale of illegal narcotics and nitrous oxide for intoxication, the distribution and sale of drug paraphernalia, possession of firearms and other weapons, illegal gambling operations, money laundering, sales of NOS, vapes, and THC products to minors, and operations without required permits.

Police said several other smoke shops in the city remain under investigation and that the Vice Unit will continue working with the City Attorney's Office to conduct additional operations aimed at identifying unlawful activity, pursuing appropriate enforcement action, and maintaining public safety and regulatory compliance throughout the city.