Press release from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:

On Feb.6, 2026, after a month-long investigation, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Problem Oriented Policing Team (POP) served a search warrant on a vehicle after conducting a traffic enforcement stop in the area of Northbound HWY 101 and Metropolitan Road. 

During a search of the vehicle and its occupants, deputies located 1.22 grams of heroin and drug paraphernalia. Ultimately, Katherine Manjarrez (32) of Fortuna was arrested for H&S 11350, Possession of Narcotics and H&S 11364, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Deputies then served a second search warrant in the 1200 block of Atterberry Lane in Fortuna. During a search of the property, deputies located 30.34 grams of fentanyl, scales, and packaging materials. Also in the residence was a one-year-old child in close proximity to the fentanyl.

Laurie Arias (60) of Fortuna, was arrested for PC 273a(a), felony child endangerment and H&S 11351, sales of narcotics.  Humboldt County Child Welfare Services was contacted and assisted with a safety plan for the child. 

Both were transported and booked at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.

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.