From the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife: Marijuana SEIzures

Recently, the Cal. Dept of Fish and Game has become a major player in the State’s efforts to shut down illegal marijuana grows.  Below is an excerpt from the News section of their website: 

"Building upon the momentum in Q1 2023, the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) seized more than $109 million in illegal cannabis in Q2 2023. This total represents a 104 percent increase from the $52 million in unlicensed cannabis and cannabis products in Q1 2023. 

Additional highlights from the period April 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023, include a 130 percent gain in the number of plants eradicated and a 375 percent increase in the number of firearms seized. The complete details of UCETF’s Q2 2023 results are listed below.


'This well-orchestrated taskforce continues to reach new heights on shutting down a variety of illicit operations that range from dispensaries to indoor grow houses to outdoor cultivations sites among other facets in the illegal supply chain,” said David Bess, Chief of Enforcement for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). “These enforcement numbers speak volumes on the dedication, perseverance, and organization of this multiagency taskforce. I could not be prouder of what we are accomplishing as a team.'

'Our enforcement efforts are becoming increasingly diversified along the illegal cannabis supply chain as we served warrants on several unlicensed dispensaries in this quarter in addition to unlicensed cultivation operations,” stated Bill Jones, Chief of the Law Enforcement Division for DCC. “As the taskforce continues to evolve and the combined resources of our partners plays an even greater role in our operations, we will be disrupting the illegal market at several different points along their supply chain.'"

The website reports (comparing Q1 and Q2 of 2023,) a 338% increase in the number of warrants served, 108% increase in the number of pounds of marijuana seized, and a 1776% increase in the amount of money seized.

Really makes you wonder what Fish and Wildlife's real interests are if, based on executing over 3 times as many warrants and seizing approximately the same amount of marijuana, they end up collecting nearly 18 times the amount of money which will likely have to be forfeited from citizens. 

​The full article can be found here.