Between July and September 2025, California’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF) conducted enforcement actions against illegal cannabis operations. The task force seized and destroyed more than $222 million worth of illegal cannabis. Seventeen operations took place in 15 counties, focusing on unlicensed cultivation and distribution sites. Authorities destroyed over 66.5 tons of illegal cannabis and more than 234,000 cannabis plants. They also confiscated 22 firearms and arrested 18 individuals.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the results in Sacramento. He stated that the state aims to protect consumers, public safety, and the legal cannabis market. The enforcement actions also prevented the use of up to 105 million gallons of water that would have been used by the illegal plants.
The largest enforcement action occurred in July in Monterey County. UCETF partners, led by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, dismantled an illegal cultivation site. This operation resulted in the destruction of more than 38 tons of cannabis valued at over $125 million…