Redheaded Blackbelt
Authorities confirmed multiple raids, plant seizures, and inter-agency collaboration as unlicensed cannabis cultivation remains a priority for regional law enforcement.
The convoy of law enforcement vehicles first reported by Redheaded Blackbelt on the morning of August 12—seen staging at the River Lodge in Fortuna and later traveling southbound through Rio Dell—was part of a coordinated enforcement operation on Dyerville Loop Road. That action was led by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s MET unit with support from CDFW. According to Lt. Conan Moore, two search warrants were served, and approximately 3,300 marijuana plants were eradicated. The cases are being forwarded to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Also on August 12, CDFW conducted a separate enforcement operation in the Spyrock area of Mendocino County. That was followed by another CDFW-led action in Northern Mendocino County the next day, August 13. While further details of those two operations have not yet been released, CDFW has confirmed they were the lead agency in both efforts. According to CDFW spokesperson Sarah Sol, the department expects to share more information early next week, once it is safe to do so. Sol explained that premature disclosure of enforcement details can jeopardize officer safety and the success of the operation. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office was not involved in either of these actions, citing ongoing staffing shortages that have limited their ability to participate.
Earlier in the week, a separate enforcement action took place on BLM land outside Ukiah. In that case, CDFW was again the lead agency, but received assistance from MCSO. The target was a trespass grow—an area of particular concern for both agencies due to environmental damage and illegal water use. Although MCSO’s own marijuana eradication unit, COMMET, is currently not operational, Sheriff Matt Kendall confirmed that deputies assist other agencies when they can, especially in cases involving additional crimes such as dammed creeks, trafficking, or environmental violations. Kendall noted that while cannabis enforcement has shifted in recent years with legalization and market changes, some cultivation sites still involve serious violations that require focused enforcement. MCSO is currently prioritizing staffing its Major Crimes Task Force, but Kendall said efforts to rebuild COMMET remain ongoing.
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