California's Largest Illegal Cannabis Bust in Central Valley

During the week of May 5, over 200 officers from 15 state, local, and federal agencies executed California's largest illegal cannabis bust in the Central Valley, seizing more than 105,000 plants and 22,000 pounds of processed cannabis worth $123.5 million. The operation spanned Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties, resulted in nine firearms seized, several arrests, and the service of 71 search warrants. Authorities found banned or highly restricted pesticides at multiple sites, raising environmental and public health concerns. State officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, emphasized the threat illicit operations pose to the regulated cannabis industry, public safety, and natural resources. The Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force, credited with leading the operation, has eradicated $650 million in illegal cannabis since 2022. The crackdown is viewed as a significant step in protecting California's legal cannabis market and deterring illegal growers.