Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On August 17 through August 20, 2020, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served multiple search warrants to investigate illegal cannabis cultivation in the Trinity River and Klamath River watersheds in Northeast Humboldt County. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) CalCannabis 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 28,399 growing cannabis plants. Deputies seized and destroyed over 1,408 pounds of cannabis bud and approximately 5,007 pounds of drying cannabis. Deputies also located and seized eight firearms.

Assisting agencies found the following violations:

• Sixteen water diversion violations (up to $8,000 fine per day, per violation)
• Eight 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 Humboldt County 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.