From left: Roberts, Silva, Larson.

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Press release from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:

On October 24th, 2019, at approximately 8:45 a.m., special agents with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF), with the assistance of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 101 and Maple Hills Road, Miranda. During their multi-week investigation, agents received information that the occupant of the vehicle, Mathew John Roberts (age 33), is trafficking methamphetamine and heroin to Humboldt County communities. Through their investigation, HCDTF believed Roberts had purchased a large amount of narcotics in Southern California and was en route back to Humboldt County.

The driver of the vehicle, Daniel Charles Silva (age 35), along with front passenger, Roberts, were both detained without incident. Agents searched Roberts’ vehicle pursuant to a search warrant and located approximately 7 pounds of suspected methamphetamine. Agents also located nearly an ounce of suspected heroin along with scales, packaging material, and other items consistent with drug sales.

Both Roberts and Silva were subsequently placed under arrest and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on a variety of narcotics violations. Roberts is currently on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) and is ineligible for bail at this time.

Agents also secured a search warrant for Roberts’ residence, located in the 300 block of Pleasant Avenue, Eureka. At this location agents discovered additional items associated with narcotics sales, smaller amounts of suspected methamphetamine, and a loaded 9mm handgun. At the residence agents contacted Jessica Elizabeth Larson (age 34) and placed her under arrest for possession of controlled substances and an outstanding felony warrant. Agents will be recommending weapons charges to be filed against Roberts and Larson to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976 or the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 707-268-2539.