The California Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), led by Gov. Gavin Newsom's office, announced the seizure and eradication of over $222 million worth of illicit cannabis products in the third quarter of this year across 15 California counties. This included the destruction of 133,000 pounds of illegal products and over 234,000 unlicensed plants, with $125 million seized from a single site in Monterey County. The enforcement actions also resulted in 18 arrests and the confiscation of 22 illegal firearms, demonstrating California's commitment to protecting consumers, public safety, and supporting the legal cannabis market.

California Says $222M in Illegal Cannabis Seized and Destroyed During Q3

Oct 22, 2025

Graham Abbott

Ganjapreneur

[image: The state flag of California flying on a clear]

The Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced Tuesday that the California
Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF) coordinated the seizure and
eradication of over $222 million worth of illicit cannabis products during
the third quarter this year.

The effort spanned 15 California counties and included the destruction of
133,000 pounds of illegal cannabis products and over 234,000 unlicensed
cannabis plants. The Q3 total also includes over $125 million worth of
product seized from a single cultivation site in Monterey County — that
contraband totaled more than 38 tons of product, according to officials.

“California remains committed to protecting consumers, public safety, and
supporting our legal cannabis market,” the governor said in a statement.
“These enforcement actions send a clear message: Illegal operations will
not be tolerated.”

The governor’s office also cited 18 arrests and the confiscation of 22
illegal firearms.

“The impact from illegal cannabis operators is real. They do not just break
the law, they put our neighborhoods, environment, and licensed cannabis
businesses at risk. These enforcement actions demonstrate continued
dedication to protecting our communities and building a legal and safe
cannabis market California consumers can trust.” — Department of Cannabis
Control Director Nicole Elliott, in a statement

UCETF partners announced in August that the task force, led by the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Marijuana Enforcement Team, had
shut down six illegal cannabis grows on publicly accessible lands in the
state.

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