BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — A multi-agency task force executed what is being described as the “largest-ever” marijuana bust in California’s Central Valley during the week of May 5, announced Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Office Tuesday. The operation involved 200 officers from 15 state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies across Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties.
Authorities served a total of 71 search warrants, confiscated nine firearms, and detained several individuals. The operation resulted in the seizure of more than 105,000 illegal cannabis plants and 22,000 pounds of processed cannabis, with an estimated value exceeding $123.5 million.
The task force also discovered the use of banned or highly restricted pesticides at eight locations, posing risks to native wildlife and individuals who consume the products.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Cannabis Control co-led the task force.
The following agencies assisted:
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
- California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
- California National Guard
- California State Parks
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Kern County Sheriff’s Office
- Kern County Probation Department
- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
- San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
- Kings County Sheriff’s Office
- Kings County Code Enforcement
- Kings County District Attorney Investigators
- Tulare County Sheriff’s Office
- Tulare County Code Enforcement
Gov. Newsom praised the crackdown, stating, “Illegal cannabis undermines the legal industry, harms the environment, and threatens public health.”
For more on California’s legal cannabis market, state licenses and laws, visit cannabis.ca.gov.
