“This is an example of law enforcement officers and departments on the local and state level working together to target the illegal cultivation of cannabis in our state. These investigative efforts and operations work to protect consumers, our environment, legal cannabis operations, and our personal safety.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
OAKLAND – On October 1, 2024, the California Governor’s Office announced the results of a recent joint enforcement operation led by the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) which seized and destroyed millions of dollars of illegally cultivated cannabis. The operation in Alameda County also led to the confiscation of a significant number of dangerous illegal pesticides that were used in the unlawful grow.
California’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) seized more than $2.3 million in illegally cultivated cannabis, including 2,652 plants in a single operation.
“Illegal cannabis from outside the safe, regulated market poses serious health risks and fuels criminal organizations responsible for devastating environmental damage. I thank our state and local enforcement agencies for their collaboration in taking down this illegal enterprise, protecting both public safety and the environment from the harmful impacts of the illicit cannabis market,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
The UCETF enforcement action occurred in the Coliseum neighborhood of Oakland. In addition to the illegally cultivated cannabis and plants, UCETF seized multiple bags of an illegal pesticide.
The pesticide was identified by the Alameda County Agricultural Commission as containing isoprocarb, an unregistered pesticide that is toxic if inhaled or swallowed. Authorities also discovered other potentially harmful substances, including unidentified liquids and additional illegal pesticides, including one labeled “Golden Eagle.”
“This operation clearly demonstrates our commitment to protecting consumer safety and holding those who threaten it accountable,” said DCC Chief of Law Enforcement, Bill Jones. “We are grateful for our state and local partners, including the Department of Pesticide Regulation and Alameda County Agricultural Commission. Their invaluable insight and expertise, combined with the shared goal to combat illegal activities were instrumental in the success of the operation.”
During the operation, UCETF removed 116.95 pounds of processed cannabis flower and 2,652 cannabis plants that were cultivated in an industrial building, along with several containers of harmful pesticides. One person was arrested for the unlicensed cultivation of cannabis, unlicensed possession of cannabis for sale, maintaining a drug house, and possession of an unregistered pesticide.
“UCETF is dedicated to strengthening the licensed cannabis industry by using a multi-agency strategy to disrupt illegal cannabis operations,” said UCETF Chief Policy Coordinator Jaydeep Bhatia. “Unlicensed cannabis, often grown with unknown illegal chemicals, threatens consumer safety and undermines the legal market. This operation marks another key move in targeting illegal operators.”
The UCETF enforcement action was led by DCC with the assistance of taskforce partners from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, and California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Local partners from the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, Alameda County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office and Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department also supported the enforcement action.
