“This undercover work by California ABC agents helps to keep the businesses we enter and our surrounding communities safe. Undercover work can be dangerous and we are thankful that no one was hurt in this investigation.”
-CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
LANCASTER – On November 20, 2025, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and Lancaster Police Department arrested an individual on suspicion of felony offenses and seized suspected illegal narcotics following an investigation into alleged unlicensed cannabis sales and illegal drug sales at J’s Liquor (120 W. Ave. J) in Lancaster.
In July, ABC plainclothes agents learned that unlicensed cannabis was being sold by an employee at the J’s Liquor premises. Between August and October 2025, undercover agents were able to make multiple purchases of unlicensed cannabis and cocaine from both an employee and another individual who frequented the business.
The nonemployee was observed on multiple occasions conducting unlicensed cannabis sales and narcotics sales inside the store and was arrested and taken into custody by Lancaster Police Department on November 20th.
Additionally, one of the on-duty employees was also found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was issued a citation for two misdemeanor charges.
ABC considers controlled substances activity at licensed premises to be an enforcement priority. ABC will pursue all appropriate administrative disciplinary action against the license.
