Over $120M in illegal cannabis seized in Central Valley, largest ever eradication operation: CA officials
- Jason Beck
- May 21
- 2 min read
May 20, 2025 / 03:47 PM PDT
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Thousands of pounds and plants of illegal cannabis worth approximately $123 million was seized during a recent multi-county operation in the Central Valley, California officials said Tuesday.
Law enforcement officials said it is the largest ever cannabis eradication operation that spanned three counties, including Kern, Tulare and Kings counties during the week of May 5. Dozens of warrants were served and multiple people were arrested. Nine firearms were seized, officials said in a statement.
“Let this be a reminder to all who grow cannabis illegally: we won’t tolerate the undermining of our legal industry and impacts to our environment,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “I appreciate the multi-agency, cross-county efforts to take on the illicit market.”
Courtesy: Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force
Officials said, in all, agents seized 105,700 illegal cannabis plants, 22,057 pounds of “processed cannabis” worth $123.5 million.
“This operation sends a clear message: California will not tolerate illicit cannabis activity that threatens public safety, the environment, and the integrity of the legal market,” director at the Department of Cannabis Control, Nicole Elliott, said.
The operation included officers and officials from multiple local and state agencies including the Kern, Kings and Tulare sheriff’s offices, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the California National Guard and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
“This operation represents the power of collaboration across agencies with a shared commitment to protecting our natural resources and preserving the integrity of California’s legal cannabis market,” California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton H. Bonham said.
“The scale of this historic effort — and its success — would not have been possible without the dedication and coordination of every agency involved.”
Officials have credited the state’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force in eliminating $650 million in illegal cannabis, destroying 800,000 illegal plants and seizing over $1 million in cash during raids since 2022.
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