Photo: plate with drug and straw sold at Music Cafe (California ABC)
OAKLAND — Law enforcement arrested four persons inside a karaoke lounge on drug and prostitution charges. With assistance from Oakland police, agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control raided the bar on October 4.
The ABC spearheaded an undercover investigation of the Music Café, located at 251 Ninth Street in downtown Oakland. The three-month investigation resulted from complaints made by residents living nearby.
In the first place, neighbors complained about loud music, illicit drug use, and sales of drugs to minors. However, ABC investigators also found evidence of prostitution, and other violations.
Agents from the ABC were able to purchase cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine from employees on the premises. In addition, employees solicited agents for prostitution. Plus, investigators determined that the cafe sold alcohol after 2 a.m. in violation of state law.
During a subsequent search, authorities confiscated cash and narcotics as evidence. Pursuit to planned disciplinary action by the ABC, the bar is at risk of suspension or revocation of its liquor license.
Charlie P. Ngo, 29 of Sacramento, was arrested for maintaining a house of prostitution, conspiracy to commit a crime, and the sale or transportation of a controlled substance.
Authorities arrested two lounge employees, Jinghan Liu, 27 of Hayward and Ying Liu, 41 of Oakland, for narcotics sales. In addition, they cited and released Wei Na Hu, 23 of Oakland, on a misdemeanor prostitution charge.
