California's Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce seized over 2.2 million illegal cannabis packages designed to resemble children's candy during a major sting operation in the Los Angeles Toy District. (Shutterstock)
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The Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce has seized over 2.2 million illegal cannabis packages, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Tuesday morning.
These packages, falsely marked with the universal symbol of legal California cannabis, were confiscated during a sting operation in the Los Angeles Toy District.
The illegal packaging, designed to mimic popular food and candy items appealing to children, highlights the growing challenge of illicit cannabis operations.
Since January, the task force has seized more than $120 million in illegal cannabis.
The operation was led by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and involved multiple agencies, including the Department of Cannabis Control, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and the Employment Development Department. It targeted 11 storefronts in the Toy District, where businesses were manufacturing and selling illicit cannabis packaging.
Authorities also confiscated 31 banker-sized boxes and garbage bags of illicit cannabis and 32 boxes and bags of illegal cigarettes and tobacco 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.”
