Governor Gavin Newsom announced on 10 December 2025 that state officials had run three major enforcement operations in November, eradicating 58,358 illegal cannabis plants and seizing about three tons of processed cannabis worth an estimated $56.5 million.[1][2] The operations were led through the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), targeting large unlicensed grows that threatened natural resources and neighbourhoods.[1]
From 18 to 20 November, CDFW officers with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department served 52 warrants on outdoor cultivation sites in the Lancaster area of north-east Los Angeles County, eradicating 32,738 plants and destroying 5,122 pounds of processed cannabis.[1] Officers detained and cited twelve people, seized six firearms, documented 24 fish and game code violations, and found banned pesticides including carbofuran and methamidophen at multiple sites.[1] On 18 November, CDFW officers also raided unlicensed indoor warehouses in Hayward, eradicating 6,157 plants and seizing 193.6 pounds of processed cannabis.[1]
On 24 November, DCC investigators executed three warrants at unlicensed indoor sites in Harbor City near a recreation centre and religious institutions, eradicating 19,463 plants and seizing 277.2 pounds of processed cannabis valued at about $16.5 million, while partner agencies shut off utilities and issued violations.[1] The cannabis control department said its task-force partners remained committed to protecting the public and holding unlicensed operators accountable.[1]
