California Seizes Over $120 Million in Illegal Cannabis Since January

LOS ANGELES- The Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF) announced this month that it has seized over $120 million worth of illegal cannabis since the beginning of 2024. The task force’s operations also led to the eradication of nearly 123,000 illegal cannabis plants and the destruction of more than 37 tons of unlicensed cannabis, equivalent in weight to over 20 cars. Additionally, law enforcement officials seized 22 firearms during these operations.

The UCETF, established by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022, was designed to bolster California’s legal cannabis market by cracking down on illicit operations. Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of protecting the state’s regulated cannabis industry, which contributes significantly to California’s economy. “The legal cannabis market brings billions of dollars to our state’s economy, helping to sustain California’s position as the fifth-largest economy in the world. We will not tolerate illegal operations that threaten our economy and the health and well-being of California communities,” Newsom stated.

Recent enforcement actions took place across 11 counties, including Mendocino, Los Angeles, and Humboldt, targeting regions with high levels of unlicensed cannabis activity. UCETF’s efforts have been focused not only on curbing illegal cultivation but also on addressing environmental damage and labor violations associated with these operations. Officials noted that many illegal grow sites use harmful pesticides and unregulated practices that damage California’s water quality and exploit vulnerable workers.

Since its creation, UCETF has seized more than $465 million in unlicensed cannabis and eradicated nearly half a million illegal plants. The task force has also served over 300 search warrants, confiscated 150 illegal firearms, and made 38 arrests.

Bill Jones, Chief of the Law Enforcement Division at the Department of Cannabis Control, highlighted the collaboration among state, local, and federal agencies as key to disrupting the illegal market. “UCETF’s efforts are continuing to break new ground in unlicensed cannabis enforcement by leveraging the expertise and knowledge of its diverse group of partners to disrupt the unlicensed market,” Jones said.

The task force aims to continue its coordinated efforts to protect the legal cannabis industry, consumer safety, and California’s environment while depriving transnational criminal organizations of revenue from illegal operations.