Thousands of illegal cannabis plants across the Central Valley have been destroyed by the state.
The state destroyed the plants as part of its 2024 Eradication and prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) program.
Driving the news: The EPIC program is an interagency task force that combats the illegal cannabis market.
- It focuses on cannabis enforcement work and investigates and prosecutes civil and criminal cases with a focus on environmental, economic and labor impacts from illegal cultivation.
The big picture: Kern County was the largest hotbed of illegal cannabis activity identified by the state. Agents conducted operations at 60 sites in the county and eradicated nearly 90,000 plants.
- In Fresno County, agents raided 31 sites and eradicated nearly 53,000 plants.
- Operations in Madera, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties resulted in over 14,000 plants eradicated.
Zoom out: Across California, the EPIC program eradicated nearly 775,000 illegal cannabis plants and 106,141 pounds of processed cannabis.
- The program also made 282 arrests in 36 counties.
- The total underground market price for the seizures is valued at $353 million.
- The state also recovered 201 weapons through the program.
What they’re saying: California Attorney General Rob Bonta said illegal cannabis grows continue to proliferate even though the state has the largest regulated cannabis market in the world.
- “The EPIC program was forged out of our recognition of the need for a more comprehensive approach that addresses the broader implications of the underground cannabis market,” Bonta said. “This includes tackling the environmental damage caused by these illicit activities, as well as the economic ramifications that arise from unregulated cultivation.”
- Bonta added that there is a growing concern about labor exploitation in the underground market, where workers may face unsafe conditions and unfair treatment.
- “I want to express my gratitude to the various partners involved in this effort, including local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies,” Bonta said. “Together, we are working toward a solution that not only curtails illegal activities but also promotes a sustainable and equitable cannabis industry in the state.”
- California State parks Law Enforcement Assistant Chief Jeremy Stinson said California’s state park land is at risk from illegal grows.
- “California has the largest state park system in the country with 1.59 million acres of park land to protect,” Stinson said. “Unfortunately, illegal cannabis cultivation is a serious threat to that land with more than 400 sites documented.”
