Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On June 6, 2022, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served two search warrants to investigate illegal cannabis cultivation in the Southern Humboldt area. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Water Resources Control Board and Humboldt County Code Enforcement 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.

At the first parcel, located in the Fish Creek Watershed near Benbow, deputies located numerous indoor cultivation sites, powered by a large diesel generator that was buried underground. Additionally, environmental scientists located numerous environmental violations, including a large amount of sediment discharged into the nearby watershed.

Ditch recently excavated into stream bank.

During the service of the warrant, deputies eradicated approximately 1,468 growing cannabis plants. Deputies seized and destroyed approximately 86 pounds of processed cannabis and over 49 pounds of cannabis shake.

Environmental violations found by assisting agencies include:

• Two water diversion violations (up to $8,000 fine per day, per violation)
• Water pollution violation (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation)
• Depositing trash in or near a waterway violation (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation

Excavta spring diversion with old plastic, diversion down and erosion of skid road with sediment delivery.

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

At the second parcel, located on the 3,000 block of Old Briceland Road, near Garberville, deputies located numerous indoor cultivation sites, also powered by a large diesel generator that was buried underground.

Exhaust from an underground generator.

During the service of the warrant, deputies eradicated approximately 2,392 growing cannabis plants. Deputies seized and destroyed over 527 pounds of processed cannabis, approximately 15 pounds of cannabis bud and approximately 130 pounds of cannabis shake.

Another illegal indoor grow.

Environmental violations found by assisting agencies include:

• Water diversion violation (up to $8,000 fine per day, per violation)
• Water pollution violation (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation)

Landing located near stream associated with water diversion and pumping for cannabis cultivation.

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

No arrests were made during the service of the warrants. Suspects have been identified in both cases and the cases will be forwarded to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.

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.