In a recent operation in the Los Angeles Toy District, California authorities seized over 2.2 million illegal cannabis packages. According to Governor Newsome and authorities, many of these packages were designed to mimic popular food and candy brands, which they argue raise concerns about them appealing to children.
Sting Operation on Illegal Cannabis Packages in the LA Toy District
On Tuesday, authorities conducted a sting operation in the Los Angeles Toy District. The Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF), assisted by various state agencies, targeted 11 storefronts suspected of manufacturing and selling bulk packaging for the illicit cannabis market.
The operation was an effort involving multiple state agencies, including the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and the Employment Development Department.
During the operation, authorities seized 2,279,900 contraband packages marked with the universal symbol of legal California cannabis. Additionally, authorities confiscated 31 banker-sized boxes and garbage bags filled with illicit cannabis, along with 32 boxes of illicit cigarettes and tobacco products.
Regulators Talk about the Consequences of Illegal Cannabis Packaging
In the Governor’s press release, it states that the confiscated packaging of illegal cannabis products, resembles popular food and candy items, and that they present significant risks, especially to children. The seized packaging products featured branding that mimics well-known snacks, such as SweeTarts and Twinkies per a picture provided in the press release. Regulators argue that this creates a false sense of legitimacy and safety., and that this marketing tactic can lead to unintended consumption, especially among younger individuals.
California regulators state that the universal cannabis symbol on the seized packaging indicates a product’s compliance with state regulations. However, they argue that sellers misuse it to disguise the true nature of these “illicit” items, leading consumers to unknowingly purchase and consume untested and potentially unsafe products.
“This packaging provides a thin yet frightening veil of legitimacy for illicit operators,” said CDTFA Director Nick Maduros. “It violates the trust of California consumers who believe that the cannabis symbol signifies a certain product standard, and it enables illegal operators to circumvent tax and licensing requirements.”
In response to the UCETF sting operation, Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting the legal cannabis market while cracking down on illegal activities.
“California is committed to supporting our safe and legal cannabis market. We will not tolerate criminal activity that undermines the legal market, especially when it puts children at risk. This successful operation in the Toy District reinforces our commitment and sends a clear warning to criminals choosing to operate outside the safer legal industry.” Newsom stated.
Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF)
Governor Gavin Newsom established the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) in January 2022, which aims to enhance cannabis enforcement efforts across state, local, and federal levels.
Per the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) website, it says the UCETF’s enforcement actions protect consumer and public safety, safeguard the environment, and deprive illegal cannabis operators and transnational criminal organizations of illicit revenue that harms consumers and undercuts the regulated cannabis market in California.
A report released last week by the Governor’s office stated that the UCETF has seized over $120 million worth of illegal cannabis since January.
Since its creation, the UCETF task force claims it has seized over $465 million worth of unlicensed cannabis through 309 search warrants. It has also eradicated 470,435 illegal cannabis plants, seized 150 illegal firearms, and arrested 38 individuals.
