Kern County Authorities Raid 4 Illegal Marijuana Dispensaries in Rosamond

9 suspects arrested in multi-agency operation, over 900 lbs of illegal cannabis seized

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Kern County Sheriff's Office, along with several other state and local agencies, executed search warrants at four illegal marijuana dispensaries operating in Rosamond, California on February 12, 2026. The raids resulted in the seizure of over 900 pounds of processed marijuana, THC concentrates, edibles, and vape cartridges, as well as the arrest of 9 suspects who now face charges related to maintaining a place for drug sales, possession of marijuana for sale, and conspiracy.

Why it matters

The crackdown on these unlicensed cannabis operations in Rosamond is part of a broader effort by California authorities to enforce state and local laws regulating the legal marijuana industry. Illegal dispensaries can undermine the regulated market, deprive the state and local governments of tax revenue, and pose public health and safety risks to consumers.

The details

During the operation, authorities seized 330.2 lbs of processed marijuana, 324 lbs of THC concentrates, 211.9 lbs of THC edibles, 3,072 THC vape cartridges, and 46 lbs of psilocybin mushrooms/edibles from the four dispensaries that were raided. The dispensaries were operating in violation of county and state health and safety codes, and the buildings were deemed unsafe for occupancy by Kern County Code Compliance officials.

  • On February 12, 2026, at around 6 p.m., the raids were conducted.

The players

Kern County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that led the multi-agency operation to shut down the illegal marijuana dispensaries.

Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (KC-HIDTA)

A multi-jurisdictional task force that participated in the raids and investigation.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife/Cannabis Enforcement Program (CEP)

State agency that assisted in the operation.

California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC)

State agency that provided detectives to support the investigation.

Kern County Probation Department

Local agency that participated in the multi-agency operation.

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What’s next

Investigators from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) will conduct follow-up investigations regarding illicit marijuana sales and related violations.

The takeaway

This operation highlights the ongoing challenges California faces in regulating the cannabis industry and shutting down illegal dispensaries that undermine the legal market. Authorities will likely continue targeting unlicensed operators to protect public health and safety, as well as ensure the state and local governments receive appropriate tax revenue from legal marijuana sales.