California Seizes $123.5 Million in Illegal Cannabis in Largest-Ever Central Valley Operation.
In a massive week-long operation that spanned across Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties, California authorities just made a stunning discovery: over 105,000 illegal cannabis plants and more than 22,000 pounds of processed weed, all tied to unlicensed grows operating far outside the bounds of the state’s legal cannabis market.
The total street value? A staggering $123.5 million.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the news himself in a post on X, calling it the biggest bust yet by California’s cannabis and wildlife departments.
In the Central Valley, @CAcannabisdept and @CaliforniaDFW conducted their largest operation to date, seizing 105,700 illicit cannabis plants and 22,057 pounds of processed cannabis worth $123.5 million. pic.twitter.com/CiKwSw3lbA
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) May 20, 2025
California Is Stepping Up Its Crackdown on Illegal Grows
The raid was no small effort. Over 200 officers took part, representing 15 different agencies at the state, local, and federal levels. Over the course of the operation, teams executed 71 search warrants, made several arrests, and seized multiple firearms.
What they found on the ground was more than just marijuana. At several sites, investigators discovered dangerous pesticides, some of which are banned outright in the U.S.
These chemicals are known to contaminate soil and water, threatening local wildlife and the health of nearby communities.
That environmental risk, officials say, is one of the most serious concerns tied to California’s illegal cannabis industry.
“We Won’t Tolerate It,” Newsom Warns
Governor Newsom didn’t hold back in his reaction, issuing a sharp warning to those skirting state regulations. In a public statement following the raid, he doubled down:
“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.”
Since California legalized recreational cannabis in 2016, the state has struggled to rein in unlicensed operations.
Legal growers are required to follow strict environmental guidelines, pay high taxes, and obtain permits, while illegal farms often ignore those rules entirely, creating a black market that not only undercuts the legal economy but can do real damage to land, water, and air.
This week’s bust wasn’t an isolated incident. Since forming the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce in 2022, California has ramped up efforts to tackle illicit cultivation.
According to state data, the task force has now served over 500 warrants and seized more than $650 million worth of unlicensed cannabis.
It has also eradicated upwards of 800,000 illegal plants across the state.
While these operations vary in size, the message is consistent: California is serious about protecting the integrity of its legal cannabis system.
Nearly a decade after legalization, California is still grappling with an overwhelming underground cannabis market. Many blame high taxes, complex regulations, and red tape for driving both consumers and growers back into the shadows.
Concerned about an illegal grow in your area?
You can report it anonymously at cannabis.ca.gov or by contacting your local enforcement office.
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