Over $109 Million of Marijuana Seizes California Authorities
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The Unified Cannabis Control Task Force seized 66,315 pounds of marijuana between April and June from 2023; In the operations, 92 search warrants were carried out and 19 firearms were confiscated.
More than $109 million in illegal marijuana has been seized by California authorities in raids in recent months as part of a campaign in the state.
During the Unified Cannabis Control Task Force (UCETF) campaign, there was a 104% increase in illegal cannabis products in the second quarter of the year, from April to June 2023, compared to the previous quarter. first quarter (January to March 2023), according to a statement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
The CDFW reported that seized 120,970 illegal marijuana plants, 66,315 pounds of marijuana and $223,809 in cash in the second quarter of 2023.
In the operations, 92 search warrants were carried out and 19 firearms were confiscated.
The authority said the retail value of the total marijuana seized between April and June 2023 amounts to $109,277,688.94.
During the first three months of the year, $52,644,020.50 worth of unlicensed marijuana and cannabis products were seized.
From January to March 2023, 52,529 illegal marijuana plants, 31,912 pounds of weed were seized and $12,602 in cash. 21 search warrants were executed and 4 firearms were confiscated.
“This well-orchestrated task force continues to reach new heights in shutting down a variety of illicit operations ranging from dispensaries to indoor grow centers and outdoor grow sites, among other facets of the illegal supply chain, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Chief of Enforcement David Bess said in the statement.
“These compliance figures speak volumes about the dedication, perseverance and organization of this multi-agency task force. I could not be more proud of what we are accomplishing as a team”, added.
The Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force was created in 2022 and involves more than two dozen federal, state and local agencies joining efforts to curb the illegal marijuana market.
California Governor Gavin Newsom charged the Unified Task Force to align state efforts as well as increase coordination of cannabis compliance among the various collaborating agencies.
Responsibility for the group is shared between the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, with coordination by the Cal OES Division of Homeland Security