(KRON) -- Over $23 million worth of illegal cannabis was recently seized in East Oakland, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom's office. The illegally cultivated cannabis was seized by the California Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCEFT). The seizures, according to the governor's office, were part of the state's ongoing efforts to "support consumer safety and California's legal cannabis market." "The recent operations in East Oakland are a further proof point of California's dedication to protect consumers and legal cannabis growers while holding those who attempt to undermine the state's cannabis markets accountable," said Gov. Newsom in a statement. CHP discovers firearm, nearly 29 lbs. of marijuana during North Bay traffic stop UCETF seized over 21,000 illegal pot plants in the operation with a value of $17.8 million. More than $10,000 in cash was also seized along with 3,000 pounds of illicit cannabis flower, worth more than $5 million, Newsom's office said. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) led the enforcement operations with support from the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), and the Oakland Police Department. Gov. Newsom created UCEFT in 2022. Since then, the taskforce has seized and destroyed over 162 tons of illegal cannabis with an estimated value of $536 million through over 350 operations. UCEFT has also eradicated 526,037 plants, seized 167 firearms, and arrested 59 people.