Illegal Cannabis Brings Authorities to Private Golf Club in Fresno

By Edward Smith

Published 1 year ago on

January 25, 2024

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The city’s latest cannabis raid landed investigators at a private golf club in southeast Fresno on Thursday.

The Fresno City Attorney’s Office Code Enforcement Division found thousands of dollars’ worth of illegal cannabis and cannabis products at AOA Private Golf Club at 1817 N. Helm Ave. near the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, according to Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz.

“The City of Fresno will continue to work with our State partners to target illegal cannabis operations that hurt our legal cannabis industry,” said Janz in a news release. “This latest raid shows that illegal and illicit activities are occurring in all areas of our community, including places that appear reputable at first glance.”

Cannabis products found at AOA Private Golf Club in Fresno, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. (Fresno City Attorney’s Office)

AOA Had Been Selling Cannabis Products for Some Time: Janz

The allegedly illegal operation had been going on for a significant amount of time, according to authorities. Business owners had display shelves of cannabis products, according to photos taken at the raid. Edible cannabis products made to resemble brands such as Chips Ahoy and Trolli were also found at the site.

AOA advertises itself as a 24/7 golf club. The business has golf course simulators, a pro shop, and a restaurant for members. No arrests have been made, but investigators seized property belonging to the business.

The City Attorney’s Code Enforcement Division conducted the raid along with the California Department of Tax and Fee, and the California Department of Cannabis Control.

In August 2023, Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz announced a partnership with the California Attorney General’s Office to prosecute illegal cannabis operations in the city. Since the program began, dozens of illegal operations have been shut down, Fresno officials said.

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

UP NEXT

Jewish Student Who Took on Harvard in Court Ends Lawsuit

Edward Smith,

Multimedia Journalist

Edward Smith began reporting for GV Wire in May 2023. His reporting career began at Fresno City College, graduating with an associate degree in journalism. After leaving school he spent the next six years with The Business Journal, doing research for the publication as well as covering the restaurant industry. Soon after, he took on real estate and agriculture beats, winning multiple awards at the local, state and national level. You can contact Edward at 559-440-8372 or at Edward.Smith@gvwire.com.