SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has reaffirmed California's commitment to safeguarding consumers and supporting the legal cannabis industry following a major enforcement operation in East Oakland.
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The Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) recently confiscated nearly $23 million worth of illegally cultivated cannabis.
Governor Newsom emphasized the state’s dedication to protecting public safety and preserving the integrity of the legal cannabis market.
“The recent operations in East Oakland are further evidence of California’s determination to protect consumers and legal cannabis businesses while holding those undermining the regulated market accountable,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
During the enforcement operation, authorities seized more than 21,000 illegal cannabis plants valued at $17.8 million. Additionally, the operation resulted in the confiscation of over 3,000 pounds of illicit cannabis flower worth approximately $5 million, along with more than $10,000 in cash.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) led the raids, with assistance from the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), and the Oakland Police Department.
Nathaniel Arnold, Chief of Law Enforcement at CDFW, highlighted the significance of the operation, stating, “This successful action is one of many efforts by the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force to protect public health, preserve the environment, and sustain the integrity of California’s regulated cannabis market. These large-scale illegal operations deplete California’s environmental resources and must be eliminated.”
Just last month, UCETF conducted similar raids in East Oakland and Hayward, removing almost $20 million worth of illegal cannabis and products from the illicit market.
Governor Newsom established UCETF in 2022 to strengthen enforcement coordination among state, local, and federal agencies. The taskforce aims to protect consumers, maintain public safety, and prevent illegal cannabis operators and criminal organizations from profiting at the expense of the regulated market.
Since its formation, UCETF has carried out over 350 operations, seizing and destroying more than 162 tons of illegal cannabis valued at approximately $536 million. The taskforce has also eradicated 526,037 cannabis plants, confiscated 167 firearms, and arrested 59 individuals.
These actions underscore California's ongoing efforts to combat illegal cannabis operations, safeguard public health, and support the legal cannabis industry.
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