Accused Novato Drug Dealer Arrested After Selling To Teen: Police

NOVATO, CA — A young Novato man faces several charges after police allege an officer witnessed him sell restricted items to a juvenile earlier this month.

In a social media post Monday, the police department said the incident took place shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 4. A patrol officer said he spotted a 20-year-old man he recognized walking into a parking lot in the area of Tamalpais Avenue and Novato Boulevard, then witnessed a "hand-to-hand exchange" with an underage girl in a vehicle.

The officer suspected a drug sale and made contact with the suspect, who police said was on active probation. According to police, a probationary search of the man's home revealed approximately 30 vape pens containing cannabis concentrate, more than a dozen nicotine vape pens, more than an ounce of marijuana and psilocybin, a scale, and packaging materials.

The suspect was re-booked into jail on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale and intent to sell to a minor.

Police shared a few reminders for parents to help prevent teen drug use:

- Educate teens about the dangers associated with drug use and encourage a drug-free lifestyle.
- Know your teen's activities. Pay attention to your teen's whereabouts.
- Establish rules and consequences.
- Know your teen's friends.
- Keep track of prescription drugs.
- Provide support.
- Set a good example.