Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On March 31, 2021, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served one search warrant to investigate illegal cannabis cultivation in the Dinsmore area. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife 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 warrant, deputies eradicated approximately 6,605 growing cannabis plants. Deputies also located and seized over $99,000 pursuant to asset forfeiture proceedings.

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

• Five water diversion violations (up to $8,000 fine per day, per violation)
• Four water pollution violations (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation)

Sheriff’s deputies will be requesting an arrest warrant be issued by the District Attorney’s Office for the individual responsible for this operation. This individual is believed to be responsible for multiple illegal cultivation operations, including those investigated last week in the Buck Mountain and Blocksburg areas.

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.