BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, seized nearly 800,000 illegal cannabis plants and over 106,000 pounds of processed cannabis across the state.
These seizures, with an estimated black market value of $353 million.
The operation was part of the state’s Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis Program.
The crackdown also led to 282 arrests across 36 counties, with one of the hotspots being Kern.
Authorities targeted 60 sites and removed nearly 90,000 plants in Kern County.
In a statement, Bonta said:
He added that these underground operations not only disrupt the legal cannabis industry but also cause environmental harm and lead to labor exploitation.
In 2024, the state’s enforcement efforts led to 665 operations, the recovery of 201 weapons, and the removal of illegal infrastructure.
This includes dams, water lines, and toxic chemical containers from illegal grow sites, which pose a big risk to public health.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, seized nearly 800,000 illegal cannabis plants and over Read More