From the Hoopa Valley Tribal Police:

On 09/03/2013 the Hoopa Valley Tribal Police Department ended a three month long marijuana investigation with the assistance of the North State Marijuana Investigation Team “NSMIT”, US Forest Service, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Humboldt County Drug Task Force, Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, Cannabis Eradication and Reclamation Team “CERT”, and the Fortuna Police Department.

On 09/03/2013 officers from of the above listed agencies raided the outdoor marijuana growing operation on the Hoopa Valley Reservation and a search warrant was served at a residence in Fortuna. Officers at the outdoor marijuana growing operation located and eradicated 8591 growing marijuana plants ranging from 3 feet to 7 feet tall, Officers also located a large camp which was being used to process the marijuana. At the campsite approximately 1000 drying marijuana plants were located as well as approximately 70 lbs of processed marijuana bud. At the campsite packaging materials and scales were also located. Between six and seven suspects fled from the campsite and are still outstanding.

At the Fortuna residence Officers located 52 lbs of processed marijuana packaged for sales in one pound bags and just over $5000 in cash. Two suspects were arrested at the residence identified as German Palominos age 23 and Cynthia Navarrete age 18 both were arrested for H&S 11359 Possession of Marijuana for sales, PC 182(a)(1) Conspiracy, and PC 273a(a) Child Endangerment. A nine month old child who was at the residence at the time the warrant was served, was taken into protective custody by CWS.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Hoopa Valley Tribal Police or the HCSO.