LOS ANGELES – During the  week of January 11, 2021, the California Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) Enforcement Unit, with the assistance of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, served two search warrants related to an unlicensed cannabis dispensary and distribution warehouse operating in Eastern Los Angeles County.

During the search warrant in Cerritos, investigators located two suspects who were in the process of counting money collected from various illegal dispensaries. Additionally, the search of the warehouse revealed a variety of illegal cannabis products packaged for delivery to numerous dispensaries.

The search of both locations resulted in the seizure of cannabis flower, edibles, vape cartridges and concentrates with an estimated retail value of more than $400,000. Investigators also seized a small amount of methamphetamine and more than $125,000 in cash.

“Unlicensed cannabis operations are underground businesses that don’t follow the letter of the law,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “They may fly under the radar for a moment, but with tips and the investigative work by state and local law enforcement, they’ll be shut down.”

Engaging in commercial cannabis activity without a license is subject to civil penalties of up to three times the amount of the license fee for each day of operation.