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Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif. — On Feb. 26, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the California Highway Patrol (CHP), with assistance from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department, the California Department of Cannabis Control and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, executed a search warrant at a cannabis cultivation operation as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into stolen vehicles with altered Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN).

After securing the property, the Department of Cannabis Control found the site operating illegally. Investigators identified multiple environmental violations, including the unlawful diversion of water for the irrigation of the cannabis operation. Officers also found unpermitted structures used for cooking and habitation.

Based on those findings, investigators obtained and executed a second search warrant.

Following service of the second warrant, officers seized the following items as evidence:

• 3,395 pounds of processed illicit cannabis
• One fully automatic AK-47 assault rifle
• One short-barreled shotgun
• Four pistols
• One rifle
• A stolen 2022 Polaris RZR
• Four VIN-switched stolen vehicles:
• 2025 Ford F-350 King Ranch (approximate value $90,000)
• 2020 GMC Sierra AT4 (approximate value $38,000)
• 2023 Cadillac Escalade (approximate value $67,000)
• 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss (approximate value $39,000)
• Hundreds of rounds of ammunition
• Counterfeit identification documents
• Cellular phones
• One mounted wolf seized as contraband by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Investigators also located a safe containing high-end jewelry and approximately $15,000 to $20,000 in U.S. currency within the residence and other structures. Authorities seized the property under asset forfeiture laws. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department will handle asset forfeiture proceedings in coordination with the CHP and the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office.

During the operation, investigators located three cannabis-processing workers at the site. Following further investigation, officers determined the individuals were likely victims of labor trafficking. Authorities provided the workers with information and support services from the Northern California Coalition to Safeguard Communities.

“This case highlights the evolving nature of organized criminal enterprises operating in our rural communities,” said CHP Northern Division Commander Chief John Pinoli. “What began as an investigation into stolen vehicles uncovered an illicit cannabis operation, illegal firearms, environmental crimes, and individuals who may have been exploited for labor. Our personnel and partner agencies remain committed to protecting the public, safeguarding natural resources, and holding those who profit from criminal activity accountable.”

Prosecutors will file all criminal charges via complaint. 

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.