Nine Plead Not Guilty in Fresno Smoke Shop Case
Defendants face charges tied to Operation No Smoke Zone, which investigators say targeted seven Spot Smoke Shop locations in Fresno County.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Financial Crime
Nine defendants pleaded not guilty Monday in Fresno County Superior Court to charges tied to Operation No Smoke Zone. A grand jury indictment alleges the defendants conspired to sell unlicensed marijuana products, psilocybin products, and contraband tobacco at Spot Smoke Shop locations.
Why it matters
The case shows how a multi-agency investigation can target a retail network over several months and seize large quantities of unlicensed products. It also highlights enforcement against unlicensed cannabis and psilocybin sales in the Fresno area.
Nine defendants entered not guilty pleas, and Alhalemni faces up to 17 years in state prison if convicted on all charges, with Atanesyan facing up to 21 years. The next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 3, and no verdicts have been reached.
The players
Mohamed Hamood Alhalemni
Alhalemni is the owner of the seven Spot Smoke Shop locations investigated in the case and faces up to 17 years in state prison if convicted on all charges.
California Department of Cannabis Control
The state agency that co-led the investigation into unlicensed cannabis and psilocybin product sales, alongside the Fresno Police Department.
Fresno Police Department
The city's law enforcement agency that co-led the investigation and conducted several of the arrests of the defendants.
The details
Operation No Smoke Zone targeted all seven Spot Smoke Shop locations owned by Mohamed Hamood Alhalemni. The indictment alleges charges including maintaining a place for selling or using controlled substances, marijuana possession for sale, money laundering, and marijuana tax or fee evasion.
Timeline
April, May, and June: Defendants allegedly conspired to sell unlicensed and contraband products.
June 9: Alhalemni, Atanesyan, Menser, Muradyan, and Elenes were arrested by Fresno police.
June 17: Zamzami was arrested.
Sept. 2: Mazmanian was arrested.
Dec. 3: Next court appearance is scheduled.
Legal Context
California's Proposition 64 created a licensed system for adult-use marijuana, and cases like this one show prosecutors pursuing sales that operate outside that licensing framework. Unlicensed sales of marijuana and psilocybin products remain a focus of state and local enforcement in the state.
Residents who buy cannabis or tobacco products should confirm that retailers hold valid state licenses, since products sold outside the licensed system have been subject to seizure. The case also signals ongoing enforcement activity affecting smoke shops in the Fresno area.
The takeaway
Checking for a state license before buying cannabis or psilocybin products helps consumers avoid unregulated goods. Enforcement actions like this one often unfold over months, so updates may follow at later court dates.
Further reading
For related coverage, see more Financial Crime stories in Fresno.
