Oakland, California – In a significant operation targeting the illegal cannabis market, California’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) seized an estimated $19 million worth of illicit cannabis products across Oakland and Hayward. Announced by Governor Gavin Newsom, the crackdown underscores the state’s commitment to dismantling illegal cannabis operations while supporting the legal market.
Governor Newsom commended the task force’s efforts, stating, “I’m proud of the recent work by our cannabis task force, seizing a staggering $19.2 million in illicit cannabis from across the Bay Area. These operations are imperative in both bolstering California’s legal cannabis market and protecting consumers from unregulated and dangerous products.”
Oakland Operations Yield $12.6 Million in Seizures
Led by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), enforcement actions in Oakland resulted in the confiscation of:
- Over 7,000 illegal cannabis plants valued at $6.1 million.
- 1,200 pounds of processed cannabis flower worth $2 million.
- 551 pounds of concentrated cannabis valued at $4.4 million.
- 6,250 disposable vape cartridges valued at $41,000.
The total value of seized goods in Oakland amounted to $12.6 million. Additionally, a hazardous CO2 and butane honey oil (BHO) lab was discovered and safely dismantled by Oakland Hazardous Materials Management (HAZMAT) and the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). BHO labs, which use highly combustible compounds to extract concentrated cannabis, pose significant explosion risks.
“This successful operation, led by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, underscores the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce’s dedication to safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, and preserving the integrity of California’s regulated cannabis market,” said Nathaniel Arnold, Chief of Law Enforcement at CDFW.
Hayward Operation Seizes $6.6 Million in Illegal Cannabis
In Hayward, a coordinated effort by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and supporting agencies led to the seizure of:
- 4,018 pounds of illegal cannabis plants and processed flower valued at $6.6 million.
Local code enforcement officials red-tagged the facility and cut electricity to prevent further illegal activity.
“UCETF continues to leverage the knowledge and experience of its partners to deliberately and effectively reduce the size of the unlicensed cannabis market,” said Bill Jones, Chief of Law Enforcement at DCC. “Being able to coordinate and execute operations of this size simultaneously is a significant advantage when targeting the illegal market.”
UCETF’s Mission and Broader Impact
Established by Governor Newsom in 2022, the UCETF aligns state, local, and federal resources to combat unlicensed cannabis activities. Its goals include safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, and reducing illicit revenue streams that fuel transnational criminal organizations. These efforts aim to preserve the integrity of California’s legal cannabis market and ensure consumer safety.
With its latest enforcement actions in Oakland and Hayward, the task force has demonstrated its ability to disrupt illegal operations effectively, highlighting the importance of collaboration across multiple agencies. As the legal cannabis industry continues to grow, California remains steadfast in its efforts to eliminate unregulated and dangerous products from the market.