Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On June 24, 2020, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served two search warrants to investigate illegal cannabis cultivation in the Mad River drainage area of Dinsmore. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Department of Food and Agriculture CalCannabis Division assisted in the service of the warrant.

Two parcels were investigated during the service of the warrant. 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 10,735 growing cannabis plants. Deputies also located and seized two firearms.

Assisting agencies found the following violations:

• Eight water diversion violations (up to $8,000 fine per day, per violation)
• Seven water pollution violations (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.

No arrests were made during the service of the warrant. The case will be forwarded to the DA’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.