City Attorney's Office Secures Injunction Against Tenderloin Markets
Court ordered injunction stops public nuisance and drug sales
Earlier this year, City Attorney Dennis Herrera filed civil lawsuits against two Tenderloin markets, Razan Deli and Grocery and Barah's Market, for facilitating rampant illicit drug trafficking in close proximity to schools, playgrounds, daycare centers, and senior housing.
The litigation followed undercover investigations by the San Francisco Police Department that, for more than two years, documented numerous instances in which the markets operated as virtual safe havens for the sale of cocaine, crack, heroin, prescription painkillers and other drugs. Both markets were also found to have engaged in the purchase and resale of stolen merchandise.
Last month, owners of Razan Deli and Grocery finally settled with the City, agreeing to pay $80,000 in civil penalties, to abide by a five-year injunction, and to close the store for a year, starting April 1, 2012.
The Court also issued a strict injunction against Barah's Market and ordered the store to discontinue “public nuisance” activities, including the sale, storage or distribution of illegal drugs. Barah's will no longer be able to stay open after midnight, must have a security guard in the evening and surveillance video cameras both inside and outside the store.
If you have any concerns regarding potential public nuisances in your neighborhood, please call the City Attorney's Code Enforcement Hotline, and we will investigate: (415) 554-3977.
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