In Just 3 Months California Seized Over $53M In Illegal Cannabis, Gov. Newsom Announces More 'Aggressive Actions'

California's Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) seized more than $53.62 million in illegal cannabis in just the first quarter of the year. 

"California is home to the largest legal cannabis market in the world," stated Governor Gavin Newsom (D). "As we continue to cultivate a legal marketplace, we’re taking aggressive action to crack down on those still operating in the shadows — shutting down illegal operations linked to organized crime, human trafficking, and the proliferation of illegal products that harm the environment and public health."

Q1 2024 Enforcement Highlights

From the period of January 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024, UCETF completed the following actions:

• Seized 31,866 pounds of unlicensed cannabis;
• Eradicated 54,137 unlicensed cannabis plants;
• Seized $34,858 in cash;
• Seized 11 firearms;
• Arrested 4 people. 

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"UCETF continues to strengthen its momentum by focusing on priority targets and strategically removing operations having a significant impact on the illegal cannabis supply chain," stated Nathaniel Arnold, acting chief of the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Law Enforcement Division. "We are utilizing all the available resources from our partner agencies and are committed more than ever to providing public safety, protecting the environment, and helping the regulated market succeed and thrive."

A total of 18 search warrants were served during Q1 2024 in the following counties: Alameda (2), Fresno (1), Kern (5), Los Angeles (1), Riverside (2), San Joaquin (1), Orange County (6).

In October 2022, Governor Newsom formed the UCETF to crack down on illegal marijuana operations, which have been an ongoing problem for years. The task force is guided by the Department of Cannabis Control’s (DCC) Law Enforcement Division and the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and coordinated by the Homeland Security Division of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). The task force includes more than two dozen local, state and federal partners working together to disrupt the illegal cannabis market.

 "A key to UCETF's success is a collaborative approach relying on intelligence gathering, targeted investigations and leveraging the expertise of our members," stated Bill Jones, chief of the Law Enforcement Division for DCC. The Taskforce continues to play a crucial role in protecting the legal cannabis market while eliminating the often-dangerous activities associated with unlicensed cannabis operations."

 Related Links: North Of $312M In Illegal Marijuana Seized, 318K Plants Eradicated In Just One Year In California 

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Photo: Benzinga edit with images by Bureau of Reclamation via Wikimedia Commons and Rob Warner on Unsplash