California Seized $534M in Illegal Cannabis Last Year

California’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF) seized $534 million worth of illegal cannabis in the state last year, bringing the total seized by the state to about $2.8 billion since 2019. The UCETF, created by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), is led by the state Department of Cannabis Control.  

“We will continue to target illegal cannabis operations and cut off the illicit revenue streams of transnational criminal organizations who prey on workers, our environment, and kids. Enforcement officials have been on the frontlines – with local, state and federal partners – to bolster our legal cannabis market.” — Newsom in a press release 

In 2024, enforcement teams served 425 search warrants focusing on illicit cultivation and unlicensed retail sales. The UCETF served 155 warrants targeting unlawful indoor cultivators, seizing nearly 163,000 pounds of cannabis totaling about $269 million, destroying about 288,900 plants, and uncovering 61 firearms. In all, 28 arrests were made in connection to illegal indoor cannabis cultivation. 

The enforcement teams served 143 warrants related to unlawful outdoor cannabis grows, which resulted in the seizure of 122,673 pounds of cannabis totaling about $198.3 million, the eradication of 190,812 plants, with 30 firearms seized and 57 arrests. 

The UCETF served 87 warrants related to unlicensed retail operations, seizing 8,821 pounds of cannabis totaling about $17.3 million, and destroying 1,275 plants. The warrants led to the seizure of 22 firearms and 28 arrests. 

In a statement, Department of Cannabis Control Director Nicole Elliott said the efforts “highlight California’s continued focus on maintaining the integrity of the legal market, supporting licensed operators, and protecting consumers and communities from the harms associated with unregulated cannabis activities.”