LOS ANGELES – The California Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) and Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)  Cannabis Enforcement Unit recently conducted a series of enforcement actions against illegal cannabis retailers operating in Los Angeles.

Investigators served 24 search warrants on unlicensed locations over a three-day period from December 10 to December 12, 2019.   The warrants resulted in the seizing of $8.8 million in cannabis and cannabis products. Enforcement officers also confiscated 9,885 illegal vape pens and $128,742 in cash.

“Those operating  cannabis operations without a license are conducting illegal business that competes with those legal operations that are following the rules and regulations set by the state of California,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “It’s evident that enforcement officers whose focus is illegal cannabis operations have their work cut out for them.”

“This week’s collaborative enforcement efforts were a huge success,” said BCC Chief Lori Ajax. “We look forward to working with local jurisdictions and law enforcement as we continue to shut down unlicensed operators in the illicit cannabis market.”

All commercial cannabis activity in California must be conducted on a premises with a valid license issued by the appropriate state cannabis licensing authority. Manufacturing, distributing or selling cannabis goods without a state license or at a location that is not licensed is a violation of state law.