“Operation No Smoke Zone” was spearheaded by the California Department of Cannabis Control and the Fresno Police Department and involved ten local, state, and federal agencies including CDFW and California DOJ Bureau of Forensic Services
“The investigation into, along with the seizures of illegal products at seven smoke shops owned by the same individual, was no small task. This investigation, along with the seizure of firearms, the removal of illegal drugs and contraband tobacco provide for a healthier and safer environment for those living, shopping or working near these establishments.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
FRESNO COUNTY – On November 2, 2026, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office announced the unsealing of a felony grand jury indictment charging nine individuals in connection with a months-long, multiagency investigation into the alleged illegal sale of marijuana, psilocybin products, and contraband tobacco products through a local smoke shop enterprise. The defendants were arraigned following the unsealing of the indictment and entered pleas of not guilty.
The indictment charges:
Mohamed Hamood Alhalemni (38),
Karpis Atanesyan (36),
Mohamed Zamzami (33),
Mikaela Menser (25),
Sedrak Muradyan (30),
Johnathon Elenes (37),
Mohamed Ali Alhalemi (39),
Noora Alhalemi (35),
and Raffi Mazmanian (24)
with various felony offenses. Eight defendants are from Fresno, while Zamzami is from Kingsburg.
The grand jury alleges that, during April, May, and June 2026, the defendants conspired to sell unlicensed marijuana products, psilocybin-containing products, and contraband tobacco products to the public. The investigation, known as “Operation No Smoke Zone,” was spearheaded by the California Department of Cannabis Control and the Fresno Police Department and involved ten local, state, and federal agencies.
During the investigation, authorities seized more than:
185 pounds of marijuana,
86 pounds of psilocybin products,
several thousand packages of illegal tobacco products,
five firearms,
and thousands of dollars in cash and gold.
The seizures were made at all seven Spot Smoke Shop locations, which are owned by Mohamed Hamood Alhalemni.
“Businesses operating in our community must follow the law. There is no place in Fresno County for businesses that use legitimate storefronts as a front for illegal drug sales, unlawful tobacco sales, and other criminal activity,” Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp said. “This investigation demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships and a coordinated approach to holding those who violate the law accountable. I want to thank the dedicated investigators and law enforcement professionals from all ten participating agencies for their tireless work and commitment to protecting our community. Their collaboration was instrumental in bringing this case forward.”
The investigation involved the participation of the following ten local, state, and federal agencies:
California Department of Fish and Wildlife,
California Department of Justice Bureau of Forensic Services,
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration,
California Highway Patrol,
California Department of Cannabis Control,
Drug Enforcement Administration,
Fresno County District Attorney’s Office,
Fresno Police Department,
Homeland Security Investigations,
and United States Marshals Service.
The defendants who were arrested or summoned to appear in court as follows:
• Mohamed Hamood Alhalemni was arrested by the Fresno Police Department on June 9, 2026, and subsequently released after posting bail.
• Karpis Atanesyan was arrested by the Fresno Police Department on June 9, 2026, and subsequently released after posting bail.
• Mohamed Zamzami was arrested by the Fresno Police Department on June 17, 2026, and subsequently released after posting bail.
• Mikaela Menser was arrested by the Fresno Police Department on June 9, 2026, and released on zero bail.
• Sedrak Muradyan was arrested by the Fresno Police Department on June 9, 2026, and subsequently released after posting bail.
• Johnathon Elenes was arrested by the Fresno Police Department on June 9, 2026, and subsequently released after posting bail.
• Mohamed Ali Alhalemi was summoned to appear in court today and released on his own recognizance.
• Noora Alhalemi was summoned to appear in court today and released on her own recognizance.
• Raffi Mazmanian was arrested by the Fresno Police Department on September 2, 2026, and subsequently released after posting bail.
The felony indictment filed in Fresno County Superior Court alleges the following charges against each defendant. If convicted of all charges, the defendants face the following maximum potential sentences:
Mohamed Hamood Alhalemi committed, faces up to 17 years in state prison:
• Two (2) Counts of MAINTAINING A PLACE FOR SELLING OR USING A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [Health and Safety Code §11366];
• One (1) Count of POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA FOR SALE [Health and Safety Code §11359];
• One (1) Count of SALE OF FLAVORED OR ENHANCED TOBACCO [Health and Safety Code §104559.5];
• One (1) Count of POSSESSION FOR SALE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [Health and Safety Code §11378];
• One (1) Count of MONEY LAUNDERING [Health and Safety Code §11370.9];
• One (1) Count of TAX OR FEE EVASION FOR MARIJUANA SALES [Revenue and Taxation Code §55363]; and
• One (1) Count of DESTRUCTION OF EVIDENCE [Penal Code §135].
Karpis Atanesyan Committed, faces up to 21 years in state prison:
• Two (2) Counts of MAINTAINING A PLACE FOR SELLING OR USING A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [Health and Safety Code §11366];
• One (1) Count of POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA FOR SALE [Health and Safety Code §11359];
• One (1) Count of POSSESSION FOR SALE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [Health and Safety Code §11378];
• One (1) Count of TAX OR FEE EVASION FOR MARIJUANA SALES [Revenue and Taxation Code §55363]; and
• One (1) Count of MONEY LAUNDERING [Health and Safety Code §11370.9]; and
• One (1) Count of POSSESSION OF AMMUNITION BY A PROHIBITED PERSON [Penal Code §30305].
Mohamed Zamzami Committed, faces up to 16 years in state prison:
• One (1) Count of MAINTAINING A PLACE FOR SELLING OR USING A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [Health and Safety Code §11366];
• One (1) Count of POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA FOR SALE [Health and Safety Code §11359];
• One (1) Count of TAX OR FEE EVASION FOR MARIJUANA SALES [Revenue and Taxation Code §55363];
• One (1) Count of HAVING A CONCEALED FIREARM IN A VEHICLE [Penal Code §25400];
• One (1) Count of MONEY LAUNDERING [Health and Safety Code §11370.9].
Mikaela Menser Committed, faces up to 8 years in state prison:
• One (1) Count of SALE OF FLAVORED OR ENHANCED TOBACCO [Health and Safety Code §104559.5];
• One (1) Count of POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA FOR SALE [Health and Safety Code §11359];
• One (1) Count of TAX OR FEE EVASION FOR MARIJUANA SALES [Revenue and Taxation Code §55363]; and
• One (1) Count of MONEY LAUNDERING [Health and Safety Code §11370.9].
Sedrak Muradyan Committed, faces up to 13 years in state prison:
• One (1) Count of MAINTAINING A PLACE FOR SELLING OR USING A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [Health and Safety Code §11366];
• One (1) Count of TAX OR FEE EVASION FOR MARIJUANA SALES [Revenue and Taxation Code §55363];
• One (1) Count of MONEY LAUNDERING [Health and Safety Code §11370.9]: and
• One (1) Count of POSSESSION OF AMMUNITION BY A PROHIBITED PERSON [Penal Code §30305].
Johnathon Elenes Committed, faces up to 5 years in Fresno County Jail:
• One (1) Count of POSSESSION OF AMMUNITION BY A PROHIBITED PERSON [Penal Code §30305];
• One (1) Count of POSSESSION OF AN ASSAULT WEAPON [Penal Code §30605];
• One (1) Count of POSSESSION OF FIREARM WITH IDENTIFICATION NUMBER REMOVED [Penal Code §23920]; and
• One (1) Count of POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [Health and Safety Code §11377].
Noora Alhalemi Committed, faces up to 6 months in Fresno County Jail:
• One (1) Count of DESTRUCTION OF EVIDENCE [Penal Code §135].
Mohamed Ali Alhalemi Committed, faces up to 6 months in Fresno County Jail:
• One (1) Count of DESTRUCTION OF EVIDENCE [Penal Code §135].
Raffi Mazmanian Committed, faces up to 16 years in state prison:
• Two (2) Counts of MAINTAINING A PLACE FOR SELLING OR USING A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE [Health and Safety Code §11366];
• One (1) Count of Possession for Sale of a Controlled Substance [Health and Safety Code §11378];
• One (1) Count of MONEY LAUNDERING [Health and Safety Code §11370.9];
• One (1) Count of TAX OR FEE EVASION FOR MARIJUANA SALES [Revenue and Taxation Code §55363]; and
• One (1) Count of DESTRUCTION OF EVIDENCE [Penal Code §135].
Their next court appearance is scheduled for December 3, 2026.
