“Targeting illegal cannabis cultivations helps to protect the public, any workers who may be forced into labor, the environment, as well as legal cannabis operations. Executing search warrants at suspected illegal cultivation sites can be extremely dangerous for law enforcement officers. We appreciate their dedication and professionalism, and we are grateful that everyone involved remained safe.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
HUMBOLDT COUNTY – On July 16, 2026, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served a search warrant as a part of an investigation into illegal cannabis cultivation in the 200 block for Ware Ranch Road in the Alderpoint area. The California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) and the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) assisted in the service of the warrants.
The property investigated was identified through arial surveillance and did not possess the required county permit and state license to cultivate cannabis commercially. On scene, deputies located sub-par living conditions for those working the site. These poor conditions are often indicative of labor exploitation. No individuals were located on scene at the time of the warrant service.
During the service of the warrant, deputies eradicated approximately 2,180 growing cannabis plants and 1,199 cannabis clone starts. Additionally, law enforcement officers seized and destroyed more than 2,300 pounds of cannabis bud.
Assisting agencies found the following violations:
- Water diversion violations (up to $8,000 fine per day, per violation)
- Stream alteration violations (up to $8,000 fine per day, per violation)
- Depositing trash in or near a waterway violations (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation)
Additional violations with civil fines are expected to be filed by the assisting agencies.
No arrests were made during the service of the warrant. The case will be forwarded to the district attorney’s office for review.
