Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 08-05-2019, Deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) began a four-day countywide operation targeting large scale illegal cannabis cultivation.  The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the California Department of Justice and National Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Cal Fire, Humboldt County Code Enforcement, Humboldt County Environmental Health, and State and Local Water Boards.  

Together they served a total of sixteen search warrants on eighteen parcels. During the service of these search warrants, Deputies eradicated approximately 40,000 growing cannabis plants, and seized over 2,300 pounds of processes cannabis.  Other items that were seized include methamphetamine, opium, butane hash oil, and 8 firearms.   

Multiple County Code, Water Board, Environmental Health, and Fish and Wildlife violations were observed, including 28 water diversion violations and 58 water pollution violations.  None of the properties search were permitted for cannabis cultivation.

Several suspects were identified, two were arrested, and charges are being sent to the DA’s Office.

The enforcement action taken in these types of operations is in large part generated by complaints from the community.  Anyone with information about these cases or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.