SAN JOSÉ, Calif. – The San José Police Department has closed another illegal smoke shop in the city’s downtown core as part of an ongoing effort to hold unpermitted businesses accountable, according to SJPD. The enforcement, carried out with help from city and county partners, is part of a larger campaign to protect public safety and preserve the integrity of local neighborhoods, according to the police department.
According to police, the action was the result of continued collaboration between the San José Police Department, the City of San José Code Enforcement, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, and the San José City Attorney’s Office. Earlier this year, the department’s Special Operations teams began targeting unpermitted smoke shops after repeated complaints from residents and councilmembers. That initial effort launched what police describe as a sustained campaign against businesses operating outside the law.
The most recent operation took place on Santa Clara Street in downtown San José, where officers received reports of illegal activity tied to a smoke shop suspected of selling narcotics and violating city regulations. Patrol officers, along with members of the METRO Unit, Downtown Walking Beat Officers, and the Downtown Services Unit, coordinated to shut the business down following targeted enforcement.
“Great job by Central Division ensuring that San José’s downtown stays safe, welcoming, and lawful,” the department stated. “Businesses that chose to operate outside the law will continue to face proactive enforcement, because our downtown belongs to the residents, visitors, and legitimate businesses who expect a secure and prosperous downtown.”
Authorities say the crackdown will continue as part of their ongoing mission to maintain safety and uphold city codes across San José.