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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On June 4, 2020, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served four search warrants to investigate illegal cannabis cultivation in the Alderpoint/Rancho Sequoia area. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Humboldt County Code Enforcement assisted in the service of the warrant.

Four parcels were investigated during the service of the warrants. These parcels did not possess the required county permit and state licenses to cultivate cannabis commercially.

During the service of the warrants, deputies eradicated approximately 10,299 growing cannabis plants. Additionally, six firearms, including a “ghost gun,” were seized.

Assisting agencies found the following violations:

• Eight water pollution violations (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation)
• Six water diversion violations (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation)
• Commercial cannabis ordinance violations (up to $10,000 fine per day)
• Streamside management violations

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

During these investigations, two people were cited and released for associated violations on scene. All of these cases will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for further 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.