Monterey County District Attorney Continues Enforcement Against Unlicensed Cannabis Cultivators

Monterey, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Thursday, July 22 that the District Attorney’s Office’s Bureau of Investigations, in cooperation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and other state and local agencies (“Monterey County Cannabis Enforcement Unit”), continued enforcement efforts this week against the unlicensed cannabis industry. More specifically, the Monterey County Cannabis Enforcement Unit conducted cannabis enforcement operations targeting unlicensed cannabis cultivations, and, in total, these operations resulted in the eradication and destruction of over 3 tons of illegal cannabis in the King City area off of Jolon Road and close to Fort Hunter Liggett. These enforcement efforts will continue throughout the year. Investigation into these most recent illegal operations is active and ongoing. The Monterey County Cannabis Enforcement Unit has participated in multiple joint operations this year targeting illegal cannabis cultivators, processors, distributors, and laboratories. Enforcement efforts are designed to eliminate hazardous and dangerous cannabis products from the market, foster a fair and competitive industry for licensed cannabis businesses, and protect the environment of Monterey County. Illegal cannabis cultivation sites are extremely harmful to Monterey County’s sensitive ecosystems. Illegal cultivators often divert streams, pollute waterways, kill wildlife, and leave waste. In California, cultivating cannabis in a manner that significantly harms the environment is a felony. The District Attorney’s Office is committed to ensuring a level playing field in Monterey County’s licensed cannabis industry by eliminating unfair and unlicensed business practices. Additionally, it is committed to protecting the environment.