Since January, California’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF) has seized more than $191 million worth of illegal cannabis across 13 counties, with $70.7 million of that total seized since July alone.
In a statement, Gov. Gavin Newsom emphasized the state’s commitment to tackling the illicit cannabis market. “Through the UCETF, California continues the charge in cracking down on the illicit cannabis market for the safety of consumers and the support of the legal cannabis industry,” he said.
Bill Jones, Chief of the California Department of Cannabis Control’s Law Enforcement Division, highlighted the task force’s focus on unlicensed operators using the California cannabis universal symbol deceptively on packaging. “This practice confuses consumers and puts them at risk,” said Jones. “We are stepping up enforcement across the supply chain and shutting these operations down.”
Launched in 2022, UCETF has been instrumental in combating illegal cannabis activity. Since its inception, the task force has seized and destroyed over 162 tons of illegal cannabis worth an estimated $536 million, eradicated over 526,000 plants, seized 167 firearms, and arrested 59 individuals in more than 350 operations.
The task force’s efforts reflect California’s ongoing mission to protect its legal cannabis industry and consumers from the dangers posed by illicit market operators.
