Shafter PD: Tobacco shop owner cited for alleged illegal gambling

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A 50-year-old man was cited and released after allegedly allowing illegal gambling inside his tobacco shop business in Shafter. Police also said the business was found to be in possession of illegal cannabis and tobacco products.

The Shafter Police Department said on April 30, 2024, at around 10 a.m., officers and inspectors from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration did an inspection of the Shafter Tobacco Shop, located at 701 Central Valley Highway Suite #D.

Shafter police said during the inspection, the business was found to be in possession of illegal cannabis and tobacco products. The products were seized by the CDTFA.

Police said during the inspection, officers found gambling equipment and gathered evidence of suspected illegal gambling activity within the location.

Police said a detective from the Shafter Police Department obtained a warrant for the seizure of the illegal gambling equipment. The Shafter Police Department executed the warrant and seized two operational Fish Game type machines that were found in the back storage room of the business as well as additional evidence of illegal gambling.

50-year-old Yassin Shaw was cited and released for allowing illegal gambling inside his business.

Police said Shafter residents are asked to notify the Shafter Police Department at 661-746-8500 of any businesses that are engaged in conducting illegal gambling on their premises.