Press release from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:

On June 20, 2023, Humboldt County Drug Task Force Agents and Officers with the Fortuna Police Department served a multi-location search warrant at a residence located in the 500 block of Francesco Place in Fortuna, a storage unit in the 1000 block of Airport Rd. in Fortuna and on the person of Heriberto Posos Cantu (age 37). After a multi-week investigation, the HCDTF believed Posos Cantu was in possession of large quantities of methamphetamine for the purpose of sales.

HCDTF Agents and FPD Officers responded to Heriberto’s storage unit on Airport Road. Upon their arrival Fortuna Police Officer [Dennis] Stevens and his K9 Partner Cain conducted an open-air sniff inside of the storage unit. K9 Cain alerted on several locations inside of the storage unit indicating that narcotics or firearms were hidden inside. Agents searched the storage unit and located approximately five pounds of methamphetamine, packaging materials and indicia for Posos Cantu.

After Agents were finished searching the storage unit, they responded to Posos Cantu’s residence in the 500 block of Francesco Place. As Agents were approaching Posos Cantu’s residence, a vehicle was seen backing out of the driveway. Agents conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and three subjects were detained.

Fortuna PD Officer Stevens and his K9 partner Cain conducted an open-air sniff around the vehicle. K9 Cain alerted on the vehicle, indicating that narcotics or firearms were hidden inside. Agents searched the vehicle and located approximately seven pounds of methamphetamine.

It was later determined that Posos Cantu learned that law enforcement was serving a search warrant on his properties. Upon receiving that information, Posos Cantu called a family member and requested that they remove the methamphetamine from the residence prior to law enforcement’s arrival.

Agents searched Posos Cantu’s residence where they located more packaging material, a digital scale and approximately $10,000 in US Currency. As Agents were conducting their investigation at the residence, Posos Cantu arrived on scene. Posos Cantu was placed under arrest without incident.

Posos Cantu was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked for the following charge:

• 11378 HS Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of sales
• Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.