Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside local and federal law enforcement agencies, announced the successful eradication of 774,829 illegally cultivated cannabis plants and the seizure of 106,141 pounds of processed cannabis. This operation resulted in 282 arrests across 36 counties in California as part of the Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) program. The estimated value of these seizures is approximately $353 million.

The EPIC program is an interagency task force that addresses the illegal cannabis market with a focus on environmental, economic, and labor impacts from illegal cultivation. Attorney General Bonta emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to combat the underground cannabis market, which includes addressing environmental damage and labor exploitation. "California has the largest safe, legal, and regulated cannabis market in the world," Bonta stated. He also expressed gratitude to various partners involved in this effort.

Jeremy Stinson from California State Parks highlighted the threat illegal cultivation poses to state park lands: "Unfortunately, illegal cannabis cultivation is a serious threat to that land with more than 400 sites documented." San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus acknowledged that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done: "California cannabis enforcement has a long way to go."

Throughout 2024, EPIC teams conducted 665 operations across Northern, Central, and Southern California. These operations included recovering weapons and removing infrastructure such as dams and water lines. They also dealt with toxic chemicals like carbofuran—a banned insecticide known for its risks to public health.

EPIC's operations spanned multiple counties including Mendocino with 116 sites eradicated and Riverside with 79 sites. Some counties like Monterey were involved only in reconnaissance activities.

The EPIC program aims to investigate and prosecute cases related to illicit cannabis cultivation while focusing on environmental harms and labor exploitation. It involves collaboration between various agencies including DOJ's Cannabis Control Section and Tax Recovery Task Force.

For media inquiries or access to b-roll footage of these operations, contact agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov.