--- title: California’s Cannabis Task force acts on $222M Bust! description: California’s Cannabis Task Force seized over 66.5 tons of illegal cannabis in major multiagency operations. image: https://420intel.com/hubfs/crystalweed-cannabis-8ZJUY2G1pQg-unsplash.jpg --- [![420intel.com](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Asset%2016-1.png?width=300&height=162&name=Asset%2016-1.png "420intel.com")](https://420intel.com) - [Home](https://420intel.com) - [Advertise](https://420intel.com/advertise) - [Directory](https://420intel.com/directory) - [Topics](https://420intel.com/blog) - [Recreational News](https://420intel.com/blog/tag/recreational-cannabis-news) - [Business News](https://420intel.com/tag/cannabis-business-news) - [Politics](https://420intel.com/tag/cannabis-politics) - [Technology](https://420intel.com/tag/cannabis-technology-news) - [Research](https://420intel.com/tag/medical-cannabis-news) - [Contact](https://420intel.com/contact-us) - [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/420intel) - [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/420-intel/) - [Follow us on Twitter](https://x.com/420intel) - [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/420intel) ### Press ESC to close [![420intel.com](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Asset%2016-1.png?width=300&height=162&name=Asset%2016-1.png "420intel.com")](https://420intel.com) - [Home](https://420intel.com) - [Advertise](https://420intel.com/advertise) - [Directory](https://420intel.com/directory) - [Topics](https://420intel.com/blog) - [Recreational News](https://420intel.com/blog/tag/recreational-cannabis-news) - [Business News](https://420intel.com/tag/cannabis-business-news) - [Politics](https://420intel.com/tag/cannabis-politics) - [Technology](https://420intel.com/tag/cannabis-technology-news) - [Research](https://420intel.com/tag/medical-cannabis-news) - [Contact](https://420intel.com/contact-us) - [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/420intel) - [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/420-intel/) - [Follow us on Twitter](https://x.com/420intel) - [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/420intel) # California’s Cannabis Task force acts on $222M Bust! - [![Buzz](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png?width=80&height=80&name=Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png) Buzz](https://420intel.com/blog/author/buzz) - [Marijuana legalization](https://420intel.com/blog/tag/marijuana-legalization) - 23 October 2025 Between July and September 2025, California’s **Cannabis Task Force** — officially known as the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF) — achieved a major victory in the fight against illegal cannabis cultivation and sales. Through **17 multiagency operations across 15 counties**, the **Cannabis Task Force** seized and destroyed more than **66.5 tons of illegal cannabis**, valued at **over $222 million**, and eradicated **234,000 cannabis plants**. Governor **Gavin Newsom** praised the **Cannabis Task Force** for its success, emphasizing California’s commitment to consumer safety, environmental protection, and the integrity of the state’s legal cannabis market. “These enforcement actions send a clear message: illegal operations will not be tolerated,” Newsom stated. ### Major Q3 Enforcement Results The **Cannabis Task Force** reported the following accomplishments for the third quarter of 2025: - **133,372 pounds** of illegal cannabis destroyed - **234,198 plants eradicated**, saving an estimated **105 million gallons of water** - **18 arrests** made and **22 firearms** confiscated - Enforcement actions across **15 counties**, including Monterey, Los Angeles, Kern, Alameda, and Shasta The **Cannabis Task Force**’s largest operation occurred in **Monterey County**, where more than **38 tons** of illegal cannabis valued at **$125 million** were destroyed. This historic operation, led by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and coordinated through the **Cannabis Task Force**, marked one of the most significant enforcement actions in California’s history. According to **Nicole Elliott**, Director of the Department of Cannabis Control, the **Cannabis Task Force** is essential for protecting both the legal market and California communities.   ### Multiagency Collaboration at Work The **Cannabis Task Force** operates as a powerful collaboration between state, local, and federal agencies, including the **Department of Cannabis Control (DCC)**, **California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)**, **State Parks**, **CalDOJ**, **CDCR**, **CDTFA**, and the **National Guard Counterdrug Task Force**. Their combined expertise has made the **Cannabis Task Force** a national model for coordinated enforcement. CDFW Director **Charlton H. Bonham** highlighted the environmental benefits of the **Cannabis Task Force**’s work: “Illegal grow sites devastate ecosystems and threaten wildlife. The **Cannabis Task Force** ensures our natural resources are protected while enhancing public safety.” ### About the Cannabis Task Force Established in **2022** by Governor Newsom, the **Cannabis Task Force** is co-chaired by the **DCC** and **CDFW**, and coordinated by the **Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES)**. Since its formation, the **Cannabis Task Force** has destroyed over **325 tons** of illicit cannabis valued at **$913 million** across **28 counties**, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to a safe, legal, and sustainable cannabis industry in California.   [by Cal OES News - CA.gov](https://news.caloes.ca.gov/californias-cannabis-task-force-seizes-and-eradicates-over-222-million-in-illegal-cannabis-in-q3-2025/)   [Marijuana legalization](https://420intel.com/blog/tag/marijuana-legalization) ![Buzz](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png?width=200&height=200&name=Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png) #### [Buzz](https://420intel.com/blog/author/buzz) At 420 Intel, we cover cannabis legalization news throughout the world, offer reliable information for cannabis business owners, detail technological advances that impact the marijuana industry, cover marijuana rallies from across the globe, and everything in between. - - - [Recreational Cannabis News](https://420intel.com/blog/tag/recreational-cannabis-news) [![How weed drinks became the only winner of California's legal weed market](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20captures%20a%20vibrant%20cannabis%20beverage%20shop%20filled%20with%20colorful%20and%20sleek%20packaging%20of%20various%20drinks%20lined%20on%20polished%20wooden%20shelves%20The%20lighting%20is%20warm%20highlighting%20the%20array%20of%20products%20that%20showcase%20intricate%20labels%20featuring%20playful%20d-1.jpeg?width=550&height=395&name=The%20image%20captures%20a%20vibrant%20cannabis%20beverage%20shop%20filled%20with%20colorful%20and%20sleek%20packaging%20of%20various%20drinks%20lined%20on%20polished%20wooden%20shelves%20The%20lighting%20is%20warm%20highlighting%20the%20array%20of%20products%20that%20showcase%20intricate%20labels%20featuring%20playful%20d-1.jpeg)](https://420intel.com/blog/how-weed-drinks-became-the-only-winner-of-californias-legal-weed-market) - [![Buzz](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png?width=80&height=80&name=Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png) Buzz](https://420intel.com/blog/author/buzz) - 8 April 2025 #### [How weed drinks became the only winner of California's legal weed market](https://420intel.com/blog/how-weed-drinks-became-the-only-winner-of-californias-legal-weed-market) Valentia Valentine isn’t your normal pot shop owner. The 70-year-old is quick to tell you that she... [Cannabis Business News](https://420intel.com/blog/tag/cannabis-business-news) [![California’s cannabis task force seizes over $19 million in illegal cannabis and products in recent operations](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20large%20warehouse%20filled%20with%20rows%20of%20illegal%20cannabis%20plants%2c%20their%20vibrant%20green%20leaves%20contrasting%20against%20the%20stark%20concrete%20wal.jpeg?width=550&height=395&name=The%20image%20depicts%20a%20large%20warehouse%20filled%20with%20rows%20of%20illegal%20cannabis%20plants%2c%20their%20vibrant%20green%20leaves%20contrasting%20against%20the%20stark%20concrete%20wal.jpeg)](https://420intel.com/blog/californias-cannabis-task-force-seizes-over-19-million-in-illegal-cannabis-and-products-in-recent-operations) - [![Buzz](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png?width=80&height=80&name=Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png) Buzz](https://420intel.com/blog/author/buzz) - 11 December 2024 #### [California’s cannabis task force seizes over $19 million in illegal cannabis and products in recent operations](https://420intel.com/blog/californias-cannabis-task-force-seizes-over-19-million-in-illegal-cannabis-and-products-in-recent-operations) SACRAMENTO – Continuing the state’s efforts to address the illegal cannabis market, Governor... [Marijuana Business News](https://420intel.com/blog/tag/marijuana-business-news) [![California ICE Raids Shake Cannabis Sector](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20tense%20scene%20outside%20a%20large%20cannabis%20farm%20in%20California%20during%20a%20federal%20raid%20In%20the%20foreground%20a%20group%20of%20weary%20farmworkers%20stands%20with%20concerned%20expressions%20some%20clutching%20their%20phones%20while%20others%20speak%20in%20hushed%20tones%20Distantl.jpeg?width=550&height=395&name=The%20image%20depicts%20a%20tense%20scene%20outside%20a%20large%20cannabis%20farm%20in%20California%20during%20a%20federal%20raid%20In%20the%20foreground%20a%20group%20of%20weary%20farmworkers%20stands%20with%20concerned%20expressions%20some%20clutching%20their%20phones%20while%20others%20speak%20in%20hushed%20tones%20Distantl.jpeg)](https://420intel.com/blog/california-ice-raids-shake-cannabis-sector) - [![Buzz](https://420intel.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png?width=80&height=80&name=Buzz-No%20Outline-2.png) Buzz](https://420intel.com/blog/author/buzz) - 23 July 2025 #### [California ICE Raids Shake Cannabis Sector](https://420intel.com/blog/california-ice-raids-shake-cannabis-sector) In one of the largest coordinated immigration enforcement actions in recent years, federal agents... - [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/420intel) - [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/420intel) - [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/420intel) - [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/420intel) Back to Top ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Buzz", "url" : "https://420intel.com/blog/author/buzz" }, "dateModified" : "2025-10-23T12:43:12.749Z", "datePublished" : "2025-10-23T12:43:12.000Z", "headline" : "California’s Cannabis Task force acts on $222M Bust!", "image" : [ "https://420intel.com/hubfs/crystalweed-cannabis-8ZJUY2G1pQg-unsplash.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://420intel.com/blog/californias-cannabis-task-force-acts-on-222m-bust", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://420intel.com/hubfs/Asset%2016.png" }, "name" : "420 Intel" } } ```