California Reports Seizure of 58,358 Illegal Cannabis Plants in November Enforcement Operations
Photo Credit: California Governor’s Office
SACRAMENTO, Dec. 10, 2025 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — California officials seized 58,358 illegal cannabis plants and nearly three tons of processed cannabis during three enforcement operations conducted in November. The combined estimated value of the eradicated plants and seized product was $56.5 million.
The operations were carried out by Governor Gavin Newsom’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce, led by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). Officials targeted large-scale unlicensed cultivation sites in Alameda and Los Angeles counties, including both outdoor and indoor operations that the state said posed risks to natural resources and surrounding communities.
“Illicit cannabis has no place in our society or marketplace. Every day we have officials on the ground working to stop it once and for all. We are committed to ensuring families are safe from nonregulated illegal cannabis products,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
From November 18 through November 20, CDFW coordinated multiagency efforts across 52 outdoor cultivation sites in the Lancaster area of northeast Los Angeles County. Working with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, officers served 52 warrants, eradicated 32,738 plants, and destroyed 5,122 pounds of processed cannabis. Twelve individuals were detained and cited, and six firearms were seized. Officers also documented 24 Fish and Game Code violations and confiscated methamphetamine and pesticides banned in the United States, including carbofuran and methamidophos.
“Californians pay the price when illegal operators bypass environmental protections. Our officers work long hours under difficult conditions to shut down unlicensed operations that threaten the environment and nearby communities. We remain committed to working with our UCETF partners to dismantle operations that hurt wildlife and their habitats, threaten water supplies and undermine the state’s legal cannabis market,” said Charlton H. Bonham, Director of CDFW.
Also on November 18, CDFW officers conducted an enforcement action at multiple warehouse sites operating as unlicensed indoor cultivation facilities in the city of Hayward. Officers eradicated 6,157 cannabis plants and seized 193.6 pounds of processed cannabis with assistance from local and state agencies.
Another enforcement operation took place on November 24, when DCC executed warrants at unlicensed indoor cultivation sites in Harbor City. Investigators eradicated 19,463 plants and seized 277.2 pounds of processed cannabis, valued at approximately $16.5 million, according to the state. Partner agencies shut off utilities and issued violations due to safety and code concerns.
“Illegal cannabis operations, particularly those embedded in residential neighborhoods, pose unacceptable risks to California families. Whether the issue is fire hazards, toxic pesticides, or criminal networks exploiting our communities, UCETF partners remain committed to protecting the public and holding bad actors accountable,” said Nicole Elliott, Director of the DCC.
According to state officials, unlicensed cannabis cultivation can cause significant environmental damage, including illegal water diversions, soil and water contamination from fertilizers and pesticides, removal of native vegetation, and other impacts to wildlife. Indoor operations often involve unsafe electrical systems, pesticide misuse, and other hazards.
The Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce, established in 2022, includes local, state, and federal partners and prioritizes cases linked to environmental, labor, and public safety violations.
For more information, visit www.cannabis.ca.gov.
Source: California Governor’s Office
