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Smoke Shop Arrest

In Daily Journal today –

The owner of a controversial Burlingame smoke shop was arrested this week after selling illegal weapons to an undercover police officer and processing a small amount of methamphetamine and marijuana. Jaser H. Jaser, 41, was arrested Tuesday at Jay's Smoke Shop at 1305 Broadway in Burlingame. Police confiscated a large amount of small illegal weapons, such as nunchakus*, throwing stars, blow guns, brass knuckles and switchblades. Police also found a small amount of methamphetamine and marijuana, said Burlingame Sgt. Ed Nakiso. Police began investigating Jaser about a month ago after receiving several complaints about his store, Nakiso said. Jaser was booked into San Mateo County Jail, where he remains in lieu of $250,000 bail. He is facing a total of 21 charges 17 felony charges related to the possession dangerous weapons and two drug-related charges. He faces up to five years in prison, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. Police also confiscated 583 methamphetamine pipes, cane swords, Billy clubs and butterfly knives, Wagstaffe said.

Jaser came under intense scrutiny when he opened his store in early 2005. Neighboring store owners claim they were fooled into believing a high-class smoke shop selling cigars was moving in and instead they got a head shop complete with incense, bongs, pipes and X-rated videos. At the time, there was no illegal items being sold. For years, merchants have been trying to turn Broadway into the next Burlingame Avenue. They want it to be a shopper's destination for unique boutiques and services. The addition of a smoke shop, they argued last year, only hurts their attempts and deters other shops from moving in. Jaser once owned a similar shop in San Francisco but sold it several years ago. He wanted to escape the jungle,? he told the Daily Journal last year.

And in San Mateo Times today.

* A nunchaku or nunchucks is a martial arts weapon of the kobudo weapons set and consists of two sticks connected at their ends with a short chain or rope.

– Written by Fiona

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6 responses to “Smoke Shop Arrest”

  1. Anonymous

    I think “we” had it out for this guy.
    Illegal wepons. A rock is more dangerous than a star.
    Sword Cane.. This place and all of its wares are comical.
    When was the last time any was attacked with a Sword Cane?
    To all the concerned parents,citizens.
    Ever smoke weed?
    I know for a fact that PTA members smoke.
    This guy is getting railroaded.
    If he can afford the rent and make a profit, WE need to take a step back and see.

  2. Anonymous

    I don’t have nunchakus, throwing stars, blow guns, brass knuckles and switchblades in my possession and I cannot understand why anyone would. Don’t know about him being “railroaded” but those items (plus the drugs) seem quite serious to me whether he can pay the rent or not?

  3. Rich Grogan

    Little One: Jaser forgot one of the cardinal rules about engaging in illegal activities; if you can’t do the time don’t do the crime!

    There is a huge difference between a rock and the items Jaser was allegedly selling and subsequently arrested. Almost anything can be used as a weapon, but the weapons Jaser was allegedly selling had a specific design and intent, which is to seriously injure or kill and individual. There are specific laws regarding the possession and sales of the weapons confiscated by the police.

    If Jaser is found guilty I, personally, hope he feels the full weight of law in his sentencing. Society, especially our neighborhood, does not need this type behavior.

    To answer your question: NO

  4. Anonymous

    There is a store with a very similar name, over in San Mateo on 1st or 2nd street (?), called Jaybird. Is this run by Jaser, too?

  5. Jers

    come on now, the marijuana charges are small time, a lot of people do smoke. as for cane swords, nunchakus, throwing stars? I mean come on, they can all be used for self defense, as well as collecting. The throwing stars may not be legal, but people get them anyways. and with blow guns? where u can blow out darts, kids can buy bigger versions, or make them. Some of these charges should be dropped, I mean it not hard to make a pair of nunchakus. My opinion is that these charges should be dropped, they are small considering how corrupt the government is

  6. Holy Roller

    This post sounds like it is from a consumer, with special needs.

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