Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On April 27, 2020, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served one search warrant to investigate illegal cannabis cultivation in the 2900 Block of Mattole Road, Ferndale. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Humboldt County Code Enforcement and Humboldt County Environmental Health and HAZMAT Unit assisted in the service of the warrant.

One parcel was investigated during the service of the warrant. The parcel did not possess the required county permit and state license to cultivate cannabis commercially.

During the service of the warrant, deputies eradicated approximately 2,632 growing cannabis plants. Deputies seized and destroyed over 83 pounds of cannabis shake.

Assisting agencies found the following violations:

• One stream diversion/obstruction violation (up to $8,000 fine per day, per violation)
• One water pollution violation (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation)
• Two depositing trash in or near a waterway violations (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation)

Additional violations with civil fines are expected to be filed by the assisting agencies.

Jeffrey Scott Chase, 60, of Ferndale, was cited and released on the following charges: cannabis cultivation resulting in a violation of Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code (H&S 11358(d)(3)D) and conspiracy to commit a crime (PC 182(a)(1)).

Anyone with information about this case 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.