California’s wildlife officers are cracking down on illegal cannabis cultivation that’s causing serious environmental damage across the state. In a series of coordinated raids during July and August 2025, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) targeted hidden marijuana grow sites that were ravaging sensitive ecosystems.

The Marijuana Enforcement Team dismantled operations in multiple counties, including San Mateo and Santa Cruz, uncovering the massive scale of environmental destruction. Statewide, these raids eradicated 21,000 cannabis plants that would have consumed an estimated 9.5 million gallons of water during their growth cycles.

Beyond water theft, these illegal operations posed significant environmental risks. Officers discovered and removed highly toxic pesticides banned in the United States, which threatened local wildlife and water sources. The raids also resulted in eight arrests, with suspects facing felony charges ranging from water pollution to resisting arrest.

CDFW Director Charlton Bonham emphasized the critical nature of protecting California’s natural resources, stating that these criminal operations directly threaten local ecosystems and communities that depend on clean watersheds. Some of these hidden grow sites were uncovered through citizen tips, including one from a hunter scouting for deer.

The operations seized two firearms, destroyed over 150 pounds of processed cannabis, and highlighted the complex intersection of illegal cultivation and environmental preservation. In one dramatic incident, an armed suspect attempted to flee but was apprehended by a police K-9.

Citizens can report suspected illegal cannabis cultivation on public lands by calling CalTIP at (888) 334-2258, playing a crucial role in protecting California’s extraordinary biodiversity and natural resources.