Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

From August 10-12, 2020, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served 10 search warrants to investigate illegal cannabis cultivation in the Blake Mountain area of Eastern Humboldt County. The of California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Cal Cannabis, and Humboldt County Code Enforcement assisted in the service of the warrants.

Numerous parcels were investigated during the service of the warrants. The parcels did not possess the required county permit and state license to cultivate cannabis commercially.

During the service of the warrants, deputies eradicated approximately 32,840 growing cannabis plants. Deputies seized and destroyed over 12,372 pounds of dried cannabis and over 3,558 pounds of manicured cannabis bud. Deputies also located and seized eight firearms. Eighteen people were detained and released for officer safety during the course of the warrants.

Assisting agencies found the following violations:

• 26 stream diversion violations (up to $8,000 fine per day, per violation)
• 17 water pollution violations (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation)

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

No arrests were made during the service of the warrants. The cases will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

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.