LASD Major L.A. Crackdown: 24 Arrested, Eight Tractor-Trailer Loads of Illicit Vapes, Tobacco and Counterfeit Goods Seized
October 27, 2026 – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on Thursday, October 22, 2026, a multi-agency search warrant operation was conducted in the area of Los Angeles from 3rd Street to Winston Street, between Crocker Street and Los Angeles Street, targeting illicit flavored vaping products, flavored tobacco products, and counterfeit merchandise. The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), California Department of Justice (DOJ), California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Food and Drug Branch, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.
Search warrants were served at 12 business locations throughout the operation area. The warrants targeted businesses suspected of selling illicit flavored vaping products, flavored cigarettes, and counterfeit merchandise. Several individuals were detained during the operation, and approximately eight tractor-trailer loads of illicit products were seized as evidence.
During the operation, 24 individuals were arrested for various violations which included 46.90.1 LAMC; Prohibited sales of flavored tobacco, 22980.2 B&P Selling or gifting cigarettes or tobacco products without a valid license; and 350(a)(1) PC; Willfully manufacturing, intentionally selling, or knowingly possessing for sale counterfeit trademarks registered with the California Secretary of State or the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Khalaf Elias, MO/34
- Ismail Ebrahim Keekeebhai, MO/61
- Christopher Marquez, MH/32
- Mohamed Munnee, MO/72
- Tony Marquez, MH/44
- Eliot Hernandez-Aranda, MH/29
- Yolanda Perez, FH/66
- Abanoub Malakmatta Ghaly, MO/33
- Youssri Rezk Henein Ayyad, MO/49
- Jhon Abdelmaseeh Fayez Gerges, MO/22
- Jaime Alonzo Ruiz, MH/38
- Andres Sanchez, MH/52
- Sajeet Raj Aryal, MO/35
- Abhishek Suwal, MO/22
- Sanjay Makhijani, MO/59
- Scott Matthew Hainlen, MO/37
- Morad Aziz Atalla, MO/56
- Samuel Velasquez, MH/38
- Jhab Fovad Hazdar, MO/53
- Anwar Kamel Bouhadir, MO/56
- Paola Nava, FH/33
- Tarek Eldahouk, MO/56
- Gustavo Betancourt, MH/40
- Fazal Wajid, MO/51
"This operation underscores the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s ongoing commitment to combating the unlawful sale and distribution of illicit tobacco products, flavored vaping products, and counterfeit merchandise,” said Community Partnerships Bureau Captain Tenaya Brown. "This collaborative operation is a testament to our commitment to combat the destructive effects counterfeit and illicit tobacco products have on our communities we serve."
Through proactive enforcement and strategic collaboration with our local, county, state, and federal law enforcement partners, the Department remains steadfast in its mission to protect consumers, promote public safety, and preserve the quality of life in the communities we proudly serve.
The arrests made during this operation will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office or the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office for filing consideration, as appropriate.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation involving multiple cases and suspects.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Community Partnerships Bureau at (323) 981-5300.
Source & photos: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
