K9 Assists in Arresting Two Suspected Meth Dealers in Rio Dell
Pelayo and Seely
Humboldt County Drug Task Force press release:
On February 21 st , 2020, at approximately 9:00 a.m., special agents with the Humboldt County Drug Task
Force (HCDTF), with the assistance of a narcotic detection K9 with the Humboldt County District
Attorney’s Office, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 100 block of Davis Street, Rio Dell. Through
their investigation, HCDTF agents learned that Maria Felipina Pelayo (age 33) and Noelle Christine
Seely (age 42) were trafficking large amounts of methamphetamine from California’s central valley to
Humboldt County. Agents secured a search warrant for both subjects and their vehicle.
During the traffic stop, Pelayo and Seely were detained without incident. The narcotic detection K9 was
deployed and alerted to the presence of controlled substances inside the vehicle. Agents searched the
vehicle and located over two pounds of suspected methamphetamine and over 10 pounds of processed
marijuana. Agents also located digital scales, packaging material, and other items commonly used for
narcotics trafficking.
Pelayo and Seely were subsequently placed under arrest and booked into the Humboldt County
Correctional Facility. Both subjects were booked for possession and transportation of controlled
substances for sales and illegal transportation of marijuana. Seely was also booked for driving on a
suspended license.
Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to
call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976 or the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Tip
Line at 707-268-2539.