Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On June 25, 2020, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served two search warrants to investigate illegal cannabis cultivation in the Mattole River drainage area of Honeydew. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife assisted in the service of the warrant.

Two parcels were investigated during the service of the warrants. One parcel possessed the required county permit but did not possess a state license to cultivate cannabis commercially. The other parcel investigated did not possess the required county permit and state license to cultivate cannabis commercially.

During the service of the warrants, deputies eradicated approximately 7,930 growing cannabis plants. Deputies also located and seized two firearms.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife found the following violations:

• 26 water diversion/obstruction violations (up to $8,000 fine per day, per violation)
• Seven water pollution violations (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation)

Additional violations with civil fines are expected to be filed.

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.