In its largest operation to date, the state’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force dedicated to eradicating illegal cannabis operations conducted a large-scale, multi-agency operation in the Central Valley, leading to the seizure of 105,700 illicit cannabis plants and 22,057 pounds of processed cannabis worth $123.5 million.
Through the Task Force, during the week of May 5, 2025, more than 200 sworn officers and staff from 15 state, local, and federal law enforcement partners coordinated a multifaceted search warrant operation through Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties in an area of about 4,600 square miles, according to a press release from Governor Gavin Newsom’s office.
“Let this be a reminder to all who grow cannabis illegally: we won’t tolerate the undermining of our legal industry and impacts to our environment”, said Governor Newsom. “I appreciate the multi-agency, cross-county efforts to take on the illicit market.”
A total of 71 search warrants were served and nine firearms were confiscated. Throughout the course of the operation, numerous individuals were detained, and several arrests were made. Task Force partners are working with local District Attorney’s offices to file charges and pursue prosecutions.
“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,” said Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Charlton H. Bonham. “The scale of this historic effort—and its success—would not have been possible without the dedication and coordination of every agency involved.”
Officers found evidence of banned or restricted pesticides at eight of the locations. These chemicals and waste products pose a serious environmental threat to California’s native species, plants, and habitats and present health risks to those who ingest the illicit cannabis laced with these products.
“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,” said Director at the Department of Cannabis Control Nicole Elliott. “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.”
The actions announced today, which are expected to significantly disrupt the illicit cannabis market, are on top of the already staggering work done in recent months to take down nefarious cannabis growers, including the $534 million seized by the task force in 2024 alone.
In addition to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Cannabis Control, the co-leads of the task force, the following partners were instrumental in the success of this operation:
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
- California National Guard
- California State Parks
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Kern County Sheriff’s Office
- Kern County Probation Department
- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
- San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
- Kings County Sheriff’s Office
- Kings County Code Enforcement
- Kings County District Attorney Investigators
- Tulare County Sheriff’s Office
- Tulare County Code Enforcement
“California’s regulated cannabis market is the largest in the world, fostering environmental stewardship, compliance-tested products, and fair labor practices, while driving economic growth and funding vital programs in education, public health, and environmental protection”, said the press release. “The Department of Cannabis Control recently released a market outlook report that shows prices are stable, industry value is up, and the licensed market is growing.”
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