Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that California’s cannabis enforcement efforts led to the seizure and destruction of over $222 million worth of illegal cannabis from July to September 2025. Partners across state government, a part of the California Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF) worked together to seize illegal cannabis, plants and firearms from unlawful cannabis operations across California.
- 133,372 pounds of illegal cannabis destroyed
- 234,198 cannabis plants eradicated, which would have used up to 105 million gallons of water over their growing cycles
- 18 arrests made
- 22 firearms confiscated
- Enforcement activity spanned 15 counties, including Monterey, Los Angeles, Kern, Alameda, and Shasta
The largest enforcement action of the quarter took place in July in Monterey County, where UCETF partners led by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department dismantled a major illegal cultivation site. In the weeks following the operation, Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), California and local authorities destroyed more than 38 tons of cannabis, valued at over $125 million—one of the most significant cannabis enforcement efforts in state history.
“The impact from illegal cannabis operators is real,” said DCC Director Nicole Elliott. “They do not just break the law, they put our neighborhoods, environment, and licensed cannabis businesses at risk. These enforcement actions demonstrate continued dedication to protecting our communities and building a legal and safe cannabis market California consumers can trust.”
In August, UCETF partners led by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) eradicated nearly 27,000 illegal cannabis plants valued at more than $22 million in Los Angeles County, detaining 20 suspects and seizing toxic pesticides imported from China. In Napa County, California State Parks officers halted a water diversion in a state park linked to illegal cultivation and, during an unrelated emergency, rescued a kidnapped child. The swift response ensured the child’s safe recovery, and the arrest of a suspect wanted for multiple violent felonies.
