From the Eureka Police Department:

On 12/10/12, at about 10:30 AM, investigators with the Eureka Police Department’s Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Unit served a search warrant at an apartment building located on the 1500 block of Second Street, Eureka. The warrant was obtained in response to multiple complaints and tips POP received concerning suspected drug use and sales activity occurring at the suspect’s apartment.

Investigators detained half a dozen individuals in the apartment, including a 52-year-old male relative who arrived after they had secured it. The male was carrying a concealed digital gram scale with methamphetamine residue on it, drug use paraphernalia, and a pair of police-issue handcuffs with a key. A stun gun, pepper spray, and hidden container (stash can for concealing contraband) were later seized from the subject’s vehicle outside. He was detained and released pending further investigation. However, criminal charges (for unlawful possession of a stun gun and tear gas by a prohibited person) will be requested against the male, who is a convicted felon and on probation for DUI.

During a search of the apartment, investigators located approximately a ½ pound of processed marijuana, drug use paraphernalia (including a meth pipe), and further evidence of drug sales activity including a digital gram scale.

Two children (a brother and sister, age 11-years) were also present in the home. Due to unsafe living conditions (drug house) and other on-going issues negatively affecting their wellbeing, Child Welfare Services (CWS) was contacted. A social worker responded and took the children into temporary protective custody.

The primary suspect, Michael Edward Sovereign (age 66 of Eureka), was not home at the time the warrant was served. At about 11:37 AM, investigators located Sovereign driving on the 2700 block of Harris Street. Sovereign was detained following a traffic stop. Methamphetamine, drug sales packaging materials, and another digital gram scale were located during a search of his vehicle and person. Investigators then searched a second related location near Redwood Acres Fairgrounds. Several more grams of methamphetamine, packaging materials, and yet another digital gram scale were found inside a hidden container there.

Sovereign was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked for possession and transportation of a controlled substance for sale. His bail was set at $50,000.00. Sovereign posted bail later that afternoon and was released from custody.

Anyone with information concerning suspected drug activity or other crimes occurring in the City of Eureka is encouraged to call the Problem Oriented Policing Unit at (707) 441-4373.