Humboldt Co. Sheriff’s Press Release:

On 04-24-2012, approximately 11:00 a.m. Humboldt County Sheriff’s Community Response Unit ( C.R.U.) Deputies assisted by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force served a Humboldt County Superior Court Search Warrant on a residence in the 800 block of Knowles Court, McKinleyville.

When deputies arrived no one was in the residence. Deputies searched the residence and located a sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operation with 1,669 growing marijuana plants ranging in size from 2 inches to two feet. Based on evidence the deputies located at the scene it was a “Cloning Operation,” where actual plants were being sold to other growers.

Deputies have identified at least one suspect based on evidence located at the scene, and will be seeking an arrest warrant for the resident seeking felony charges of cultivation and possession for sale of marijuana.

The Humboldt County Planning Department was called to the scene to evaluate the electrical wiring for hazardous conditions. PG&E was also requested to respond.