In a bold move to protect California’s children and ensure the integrity of the state’s legal market, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a major crackdown on illicit products masquerading as children’s candy. The operation, spearheaded by the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF), resulted in the seizure of over 2.2 million illegal packages, many of which were designed to resemble popular food and candy brands.
The sting operation took place in Los Angeles’s Toy District, a hub for businesses manufacturing and selling bulk packaging intended to deceive consumers and evade state regulations. Among the seized items were packages that closely mimicked beloved treats like Twinkies and Sweet Tarts, posing a significant risk to children who might be drawn to the familiar designs.
Governor Newsom emphasized California’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and legal cannabis market, noting that the state will not tolerate criminal activities that endanger public safety, particularly when children are 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,” said Newsom.
The operation was led by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) and supported by several state agencies, including the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and the Employment Development Department. The taskforce targeted 11 storefronts in the Toy District, uncovering a vast array of contraband. In addition to the nearly 2.3 million illegal cannabis packages, the taskforce also seized 31 banker-sized boxes and garbage bags filled with illicit cannabis, as well as 32 boxes and bags of illegal cigarettes and tobacco products.
Nick Maduros, Director of the CDTFA, highlighted the dangers posed by these illegal operations. “This packaging provides a thin yet frightening veil of legitimacy for illicit operators,” Maduros explained. “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.”
California’s cannabis packaging laws are stringent, designed to protect consumers from unintended use and ensure that products meet safety standards. Cannabis goods must be labeled to inform consumers about their contents and must include the universal symbol for legal cannabis in California. This symbol, when used legally, signifies that the product has been tested and complies with all licensing and regulatory standards.
Nicole Elliott, Director of the DCC, underscored the importance of the operation in the Toy District. “Illegal packaging is dangerous to consumers, especially when it is ripping-off well-known brands that are attractive to children, and needs to be removed from the marketplace,” she said.
Governor Newsom’s administration has made it clear that combating the illicit cannabis market is a top priority. The state’s legal cannabis industry, a carefully regulated market, is under constant threat from illegal operations that use harmful pesticides, engage in unregulated practices, and exploit vulnerable workers. These practices not only harm California’s environment and water quality but also put consumers at risk.
The UCETF, established by Governor Newsom in 2022, is a key component of California’s strategy to align state efforts and enhance cannabis enforcement coordination across state, local, and federal partners. The taskforce’s actions protect public safety, safeguard the environment, and strip illegal operators and criminal organizations of the illicit revenue that threatens the legal market.
Since its inception, the UCETF has made significant strides in curbing illegal cannabis operations. To date, the taskforce has seized over $465 million in unlicensed cannabis, eradicated nearly half a million illegal cannabis plants, and confiscated 150 illegal firearms. Additionally, 38 individuals involved in these operations have been arrested, further disrupting the criminal networks behind the illicit market.
As California continues its fight against illegal cannabis, the state encourages consumers to stay informed about the legal market, state licenses, and laws by visiting cannabis.ca.gov. Governor Newsom’s administration remains steadfast in its mission to protect the health and safety of Californians, particularly the most vulnerable, from the dangers of illicit cannabis prod
