California Seizes Over 2.2M Illegal Cannabis Products Resembling Children's Candy
The California Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) has seized over 2.2 million illicit cannabis packages in Los Angeles, many of which were marketed as children's candy and falsely labeled with the California state seal. The packages were sold at 11 different storefronts in the Los Angeles Toy District. The operation also resulted in the confiscation of over 30 banker-sized boxes and garbage bags filled with illegal marijuana, along with 32 boxes and bags of illicit cigarettes and tobacco products.
The taskforce, created in 2022 under the direction of Governor Gavin Newsom, aims to disrupt unlicensed cannabis sales and address issues such as environmental damage from illegal pesticides and serious labor and human trafficking concerns. Since its inception, the UCETF has eradicated over 470,000 illegal cannabis plants, seized 150 illegal firearms, and arrested nearly 40 individuals. The taskforce's efforts also include increasing coordination between state, local, and federal agencies to combat organized criminal enterprises in the illicit cannabis market.
