Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Dec. 16 and 17, 2025, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team served a series of four search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation into human trafficking at a state-licensed marijuana cultivation site. Two warrants were served in the 37000 block of Mattole Road in Petrolia. Additional search warrants were served in the 7000 block of Benbow Drive and the 800 block of Redway Drive. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Cannabis Control assisted with the service of the warrants.

At the licensed cultivation site, deputies contacted and provided resources to five victims of labor exploitation. During the operation, deputies located a total of 14,000 pounds of illegal processed marijuana and four firearms.

Deputies arrested and booked Emrah Cevik, 31, of Oklahoma into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of Possession of Marijuana for Sales (Health and Safety Code 11359), and Failure to Obey a Court Order (Penal Code 166). Several other suspects have not been arrested, but additional charges, including those pertaining to labor trafficking, are expected to be sought.

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.