California Taskforce Seizes 2.2 Million Illicit Cannabis Packages

The Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) in California seized more than 2.2 million illicit cannabis packages during a recent sting operation in Los Angeles, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) office announced on Tuesday.

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration led the operation with assistance from the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and other state agencies. The operation targeted 11 storefronts in the Los Angeles Toy District; the businesses were also manufacturing and selling “bulk packaging used in the illicit cannabis market to deceive customers and thwart state safety and quality regulations,” according to a press release.

In total, law enforcement seized 2,279,000 contraband packages and 31 banker boxes and garbage bags filled with cannabis.

The governor’s office said many of the illegal products were marked with the California symbol designating legal cannabis, while others resembled popular food and candy products that could be appealing to children.

“California is committed to supporting our safe and legal cannabis market. We will not tolerate criminal activity that undermines the legal market, especially when it puts children at risk. This successful operation in the Toy District reinforces our commitment and sends a clear warning to criminals choosing to operate outside the safer legal industry.” — Newsom, in a press release

“Illegal [cannabis] packaging is dangerous to consumers, especially when it is ripping off well-known brands that are attractive to children, and needs to be removed from the marketplace,” DCC Director Nicole Elliott said in a statement.

Earlier this month, UCETF announced the task force has seized over $120 million worth of illicit cannabis products since January.