State authorities seized over 20,000 cannabis plants and detained 24 individuals in Hayward on Thursday during a series of raids targeting illegal cannabis operations. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife led the operation, focusing on three industrial warehouses located south of the Hayward Executive Airport.
Details of the Operation
The raids resulted in the recovery of a total of 20,133 plants. Although officials have not confirmed any connections among the three locations, the findings included illegal pesticides with foreign labels at all sites. This operation marks the department’s second major bust in Hayward within the past six months.
Growing Concerns in Alameda County
In 2025, authorities destroyed 81,377 pounds of illegal cannabis in Alameda County, positioning it behind only Los Angeles in terms of total plant count. The street value of the destroyed plants reached $134 million, the highest recorded in California.
Expert Insights on Illegal Operations
Eric Farb, a cannabis industry expert, highlighted the dangers associated with illegal grow locations. He noted issues such as the use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and recycled water, as well as excessive lighting that can lead to mold and mildew on the product, posing potential health risks to consumers.
Public Safety Concerns
Neighbors near the targeted warehouses reported a strong cannabis odor prior to the raids. Farb emphasized that illegal operations create an uneven playing field for legal businesses, which face stringent regulations and heavy taxes. “They should have to follow the same regulations that we do,” he stated, stressing the need for equal standards to protect public health.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing and have yet to release the identities of those involved in the operations. Officials reiterated that illicit activities significantly undermine California’s regulated cannabis market and pose serious threats to public health and the environment.