BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Local, state and federal authorities destroyed 774,829 illegal cannabis plants and seized 106,141 pounds of illegally grown cannabis worth more than $353 million throughout California, according to a release from Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office Monday.
Officials said the illicit cannabis eradication operation took place in 36 counties and resulted in 282 arrests.
Kern County recorded the largest eradication effort in the state, with Bonta’s office reporting law enforcement destroyed 89,819 plants at 60 sites in over 15 days. San Diego County saw 9,301 plants killed at seven sites, officials said.
The statewide operation is part of the state’s Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis program — or EPIC.
“The EPIC program was forged out of our recognition of the need for a more comprehensive approach that addresses the broader implications of the underground cannabis market,” Bonta said in a statement. “This includes tackling the environmental damage caused by these illicit activities, as well as the economic ramifications that arise from unregulated cultivation.”
Officials added the eradication efforts recovered 201 weapons, removed illegal infrastructure like water lines and containers of toxic chemicals like illegal fertilizers and insecticides.