(KRON) — An unlicensed cannabis cultivation site in Hayward was raided in a multi-agency operation last month, resulting in thousands of plants and nearly 200 pounds of processed cannabis being seized, the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife-led operation in Hayward executed search warrants at several industrial warehouses on November 18. Officers located 6,157 cannabis plants in the search, which were eradicated, according to the governor’s office. Another 193.6 pounds of processed cannabis were seized.
State officials said illegal cannabis grow operations can pose significant threats to natural resources and public safety. “Unpermitted indoor grows often involve unregistered pesticides, electrical theft, and overloaded circuits and unsafe wiring that increase the risk of structure fires,” the governor’s office said.
“Illegal cannabis operations, particularly those embedded in residential neighborhoods, pose unacceptable risks to California families,” said California Department of Cannabis Control Director Nicole Elliott. “Whether the issue is fire hazards, toxic pesticides, or criminal networks exploiting our communities, [Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce] partners remain committed to protecting the public and holding bad actors accountable.”…