California Task Force Seizes $123.5 Million in Illegal Cannabis During Largest Enforcement Operation to Date
SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 21, 2025 (VSNewsNetwork.com) — The Office of Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the seizure of $123.5 million worth of illegal cannabis by California’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force, marking the task force’s largest operation to date.
The week-long enforcement action took place beginning May 5 across Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties, covering approximately 4,600 square miles. More than 200 officers and staff from 15 state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies participated in the coordinated operation. Authorities seized 105,700 illicit cannabis plants and 22,057 pounds of processed cannabis.
A total of 71 search warrants were executed. Nine firearms were recovered, several individuals were arrested, and numerous others were detained. Local district attorneys are reviewing cases for prosecution.
“This operation represents the power of collaboration across agencies with a shared commitment to protecting our natural resources and preserving the integrity of California’s legal cannabis market. The scale of this historic effort—and its success—would not have been possible without the dedication and coordination of every agency involved,” said Charlton H. Bonham, Director, California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
“This operation sends a clear message: California will not tolerate illicit cannabis activity that threatens public safety, the environment, and the integrity of the legal market. The scale of this enforcement effort reflects the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to holding illicit operators accountable while protecting communities and ecosystems across the state,” said Nicole Elliott, Director, Department of Cannabis Control.
Officials also reported finding banned or restricted pesticides at eight locations, which present environmental hazards and consumer health risks when found in cannabis products.
The operation builds on $534 million in illegal cannabis seizures carried out by the task force in 2024. Since the task force was established in 2022, it has served 500 search warrants, eradicated more than 800,000 cannabis plants, seized over 220 tons of processed cannabis, confiscated 190 firearms, collected more than $1 million in cash, and made over 50 arrests statewide.
The Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force is co-led by the Department of Cannabis Control and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Additional agencies involved include the California National Guard, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Department of Tax and Fee Administration, State Parks, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and several county sheriff and enforcement departments.
California’s licensed cannabis market is the largest in the world. According to the Department of Cannabis Control, the legal industry supports compliance-tested products, environmental stewardship, fair labor practices, and public programs in education and health. Recent reports show price stability, increased market value, and growth in licensed operations.
For more information, visit www.cannabis.ca.gov.
Source: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
