Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On March 25, 2021, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served two search warrants to investigate illegal cannabis cultivation in the Dinsmore area. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California State Water Board and the Humboldt County Environmental Health and HazMat Team assisted in the service of the warrants.

Two parcels were investigated during the service of the warrants. 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 3,831 growing cannabis plants. Deputies seized and destroyed approximately 38 pounds of packaged cannabis bud, 877 of processed cannabis and over 1,650 pounds of cannabis shake. Deputies also located two black-tailed deer fawns that had been illegally shot and killed sometime within the last week.

Assisting agencies found three water diversion violations (up to $8,000 fine per day, per violation), six water pollution violations (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation), and numerous fuel and oil spills associated with generators used on the parcels.

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.