“These operations took place in just two of California’s 58 counties.  Imagine the illegal cannabis activity that is taking place throughout the entire state.  This obviously demonstrates a need for State law enforcement officers in CDFW, DCC, State Parks, other departments.   We appreciate all who assisted and are thankful no one was hurt during these operations.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SACRAMENTO– On December 10, 2025, the California Governor’s Office announced the results of three major enforcement operations in November targeting illegal cannabis grown, processed and sold in California. 

The enforcement operations were conducted in Alameda and Los Angeles Counties which resulted in the seizure and eradication of 58,358 illegal cannabis plants and nearly three tons of processed cannabis worth an estimated $56.5 million. These major multiagency operations, which targeted large-scale, indoor and outdoor, illegal cultivation sites were led by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC).

Los Angeles County With support from state, local and regulatory partners, CDFW went after a combined 52 unlicensed outdoor cultivation sites in the Lancaster area in northeast Los Angeles County. CDFW identified the targets and, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), served 52 warrants at the sites. The operation resulted in: the eradication of 32,738 plants the destruction of 5,122 pounds of processed cannabis 12 people cited Six firearms seized. Twenty-Four California Fish and Game Code violations were identified and 12 grams of methamphetamine were seized. Bottles labeled as containing carbofuran and methamidophos, pesticides banned in the United States because of health and safety reasons, were found at multiple sites. Both can be highly toxic to fish and wildlife and their ecosystems and can contaminate soil and water resources. “Californians pay the price when illegal operators bypass environmental protections,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “Our officers work long hours under difficult conditions to shut down unlicensed operations that threaten the environment and nearby communities. We remain committed to working with our UCETF partners to dismantle operations that hurt wildlife and their habitats, threaten water supplies and undermine the state’s legal cannabis market.” Also in Los Angeles County, DCC executed three warrants at unlicensed indoor cultivation sites in Harbor City, located near a recreation center and multiple religious institutions Investigators eradicated 19,463 plants and seized 277.2 pounds of processed cannabis, representing an estimated $16.5 million in illicit product. Partner agencies shut off utilities and issued multiple violations. “Illegal cannabis operations, particularly those embedded in residential neighborhoods, pose unacceptable risks to California families,” said DCC Director Nicole Elliott. “Whether the issue is fire hazards, toxic pesticides, or criminal networks exploiting our communities, UCETF partners remain committed to protecting the public and holding bad actors accountable.” Alameda County In a separate operation in the city of Hayward, CDFW officers executed search warrants on multiple industrial warehouses that were operating as unlicensed indoor cultivation sites. Officers eradicated 6,157 cannabis plants and seized 193.6 pounds of processed cannabis. Illicit cannabis cultivation operations, whether outdoor or indoor, can pose significant threats to California’s natural resources and public safety. Outdoor sites can illegally divert water; contaminate soil and waterways with fertilizers, harmful pesticides, fuel and other waste products; remove native vegetation; introduce invasive species; and result in light pollution and noise pollution that affect fish and wildlife. Unpermitted indoor grows often involve unregistered pesticides, electrical theft, and overloaded circuits and unsafe wiring that increase the risk of structure fires. Illicit cannabis cultivation operations, whether outdoor or indoor, can pose significant threats to California’s natural resources and public safety. Outdoor sites can illegally divert water; contaminate soil and waterways with fertilizers, harmful pesticides, fuel and other waste products; remove native vegetation; introduce invasive species; and result in light pollution and noise pollution that affect fish and wildlife. Unpermitted indoor grows often involve unregistered pesticides, electrical theft, and overloaded circuits and unsafe wiring that increase the risk of structure fires. Thank you to the participating agencies: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration,  California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, Employment Development Department, State Water Resources Control Board, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Hayward Police Department, Hayward Fire Department, Hayward Code Enforcement Division, Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Los Angeles Fire Department, and additional local fire and code enforcement partners.