California targets illicit cannabis operations, seizing more than $230 million in products this year
Since the Governor established California’s UCETF in 2022 to strengthen coordination among state, local and federal agencies working to combat California’s illicit cannabis market, enforcement has resulted in:
- $1.47+ billion in estimated illicit cannabis seized or destroyed
- 896,514 pounds of illicit cannabis seized or destroyed
- 1,441,826 cannabis plants eradicated
The task force is co-chaired by the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and coordinated by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. These cumulative results reflect the scale of California’s ongoing effort to disrupt the illicit cannabis market and address the criminal activity and environmental damage associated with illegal cultivation.
“Large-scale illegal cannabis operations are inherently unsafe for our communities and can be incredibly damaging to California’s ecosystems—our natural legacy,” said CDFW Director Meghan Hertel. “UCETF provides vital resources, strengthens coordination among partners and reinforces our shared commitment to California’s ongoing work to dismantle these illegal activities while protecting Californians and the state’s unique natural resources.”
“Illicit cannabis in California is a complex problem, but one that we will not stop taking enforcement action against,” said DCC Director Clint Kellum. “We will always fight to eradicate illegal cannabis because it makes way for the legal cannabis market to thrive and helps ensure Californians have access to safe, trusted product.”
Q3 enforcement results
Between July and September 2026, operations coordinated by California’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force resulted in:
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55,308 pounds of illicit cannabis seized or destroyed
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108,226 cannabis plants eradicated
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More than $91 million in estimated illicit cannabis removed from the market
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14 arrests
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Nine firearms confiscated
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$29,215 in cash seized
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Enforcement activity across nine counties
Targeting illegal operations and protecting communities
Third-quarter enforcement operations uncovered a range of threats associated with large-scale illegal cannabis cultivation, including suspected organized criminal activity, illegal water diversions, hazardous pesticides, utility theft, electrical bypasses and serious fire hazards. Investigators also identified indicators of potential labor exploitation during one investigation.
In Alameda County, authorities seized more than 19,300 pounds of illicit cannabis and eradicated more than 38,500 plants during operations targeting indoor cultivation sites in Hayward and Oakland. Investigators identified suspected connections to broader organized criminal networks, along with utility theft, electrical hazards and unregistered pesticides.
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