Authorities in California have discovered a significant haul of counterfeit cannabis packaging, totaling over 2.2 million pieces. This operation aimed to expose the use of illegal packaging to bypass the state’s regulations on cannabis.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office recently shared news of a successful sting operation in the Los Angeles Toy District. The operation resulted in the confiscation of more than 2 million cannabis packages that had been illegally marked with a forged California seal. This discovery is concerning as it undermines the safety and integrity of the state’s regulated cannabis industry.
Authorities have reported that a significant portion of the illicit packaging was intentionally created to resemble well-known food and candy products, potentially attracting the attention of young children.
“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 said in a statement issued to Fox News.
Authorities have revealed the details of a sting operation that targeted multiple storefronts in the Toy District of Los Angeles. These businesses were found to be involved in the production and sale of bulk packaging for the illegal cannabis market. The aim was to deceive customers and evade state regulations regarding safety and quality standards.
“The operation in the Toy District represents an important new direction by the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce to disrupt unlicensed cannabis sales. 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,” said Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) Director Nicole Elliott.
The task force has made a recent announcement regarding the seizure of over $120 million in illegal cannabis since January.
“The legal cannabis market brings billions of dollars to our state’s economy, helping to sustain California’s position as the fifth-largest economy in the world,” said Newsom.
According to FOX 58 Bakersfield, the task force has been busy conducting operations in 11 California counties. These include Mendocino, Tuolumne, Shasta, Orange, Kern, Alameda, Yuba, Trinity, Los Angeles, Butte, and Humboldt.
“We will not tolerate illegal operations that threaten our economy and the health and well-being of California communities,” Newsom said.
Source: Fox News