$1M Cannabis Theft Ring Busted By California’s ‘Operation Sticky Fingers’

In a string of nighttime raids, California authorities busted a sophisticated burglary ring in an operation they’re calling ‘Operation Sticky Fingers’ that targeted numerous cannabis dispensaries across California, culminating in the arrest of nearly two dozen individuals. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Thursday that the group is accused of stealing approximately 1,000 pounds of cannabis products—ranging from edibles to plants valued at close to $1 million.

Bonta Pledges Crackdown On Organized Crime

Bonta says these were not simple shoplifting incidents but rather “coordinated schemes, organized efforts that hurt our businesses and pose a threat to our communities.” The Los Angeles Times reported that the thefts, which spanned across nine counties including Monterey and San Diego, involved more than a dozen dispensaries and stretched from last summer into July of this year.

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“This announcement sends a clear message to would-be thieves: Organized retail crime will not be tolerated in California because it costs businesses, retailers and consumers. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their work in apprehending these suspects and for our continued collaborative efforts to end crime in our state. With these charges, we’re moving forward to hold these defendants responsible for their crimes,” said Bonta in a press release.

Charges Levied Against Burglary Ring

Most of the arrested suspects face severe charges including organized retail crime, commercial burglary, conspiracy and grand theft. Despite some suspects being released on bail, the case marks a major crackdown on cannabis-related retail crime in the state.

Frederick Shavies, deputy chief of the Oakland Police Bureau of Investigations said the initial probe began in February following several incidents at dispensaries and cultivation sites. It soon became apparent that the suspects, connected to Oakland street gangs, had targeted a range of weed businesses throughout California.

“This operation [Sticky Fingers] not only made the city of Oakland safe, but it made the entire state safe,” said Shavies, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Bonta’s Statewide Efforts Against Illegal Cannabis

Notably, this operation is one of several initiated as part of Bonta’s efforts to combat illegal cannabis activities. Previous operations include a crackdown on an illegal grow operation at a private golf club and the destruction of $15 million worth of illicit marijuana by the state’s Unified Enforcement Task Force.

Image courtesy of the State of California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General.

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