California officials have executed the largest cannabis eradication operation in the state’s history, resulting in the seizure of illegal cannabis valued at approximately $123 million. The operation, conducted across Kern, Tulare, and Kings counties during the week of May 5, involved the dismantling of numerous illegal cannabis farms. Law enforcement officials served multiple search warrants, arrested several individuals, and confiscated nine firearms in the process.
In total, authorities seized 105,700 illegal cannabis plants and 22,057 pounds of processed cannabis. This effort is part of a broader initiative that has led to the destruction of 800,000 illegal plants and the confiscation of over $1 million in cash since 2022, with an estimated $650 million worth of illegal cannabis eradicated overall.
The operation was a collaborative effort involving various local and state agencies, including the Kern, Kings, and Tulare sheriffs’ offices, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the California National Guard, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
California Governor Gavin Newsom commented on the operation, stating, “Let this be a reminder to all who grow cannabis illegally: we won’t tolerate the undermining of our legal industry and impacts to our environment.” Nicole Elliot, director of the Department of Cannabis Control, emphasized that the operation sends a clear message against illicit cannabis activities that threaten public safety, the environment, and the integrity of the legal market.
This operation underscores California’s ongoing commitment to regulating the cannabis industry and combating illegal operations that undermine legal businesses and harm the environment.
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