Sheriffs Eradicate More Than 9,000 Cannabis Plants At Humboldt County Grow Sites

Deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) executed a pair of search warrants at two unpermitted, unlicensed cannabis cultivation sites in the Hyampom area this week, destroying thousands of plants.

Personnel from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Cal Fire, and state and regional water boards assisted deputies in the service of the warrants.

During the operation, deputies eradicated a total of 8,271 cannabis plants from the two locations and seized a handgun which was found to have an altered serial number.

Authorities from the assisting agencies discovered six water diversion violations and two water pollution violations, which are punishable by fines of up to $8,000 and $20,000 per day per offense, respectively.

MET also executed search warrants at two locations in the Bayside and McKinleyville areas on July 18 with assistance from the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department.

Deputies eradicated approximately 477 cannabis plants from multiple rooms in a building in Bayside that was also found to be in violation of building, plumbing, and electrical codes.

Code violations were also found at a parcel in McKinleyville where deputies eradicated approximately 378 plants from two greenhouses.

Deputies did not make any arrests at the McKinleyville or Bayside locations though additional charges and arrests are expected as the case progresses.