TRINITY COUNTY – On July 13 - 14, 2020, narcotics investigators with the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, along with wardens and scientists with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, special agents with the North State Major Crimes Investigation Team, and members of the California National Guard served search warrants on multiple properties in the areas of Kettenpom and Wool Mountain in Southern Trinity County in connection with suspected illegal marijuana grows.

A total of 136,262 marijuana plants were eradicated, more than 4,592 pounds of processed marijuana was destroyed, 11 firearms and $106,900 was confiscated.

Numerous people were detained, interviewed and later released pending charges with the Trinity County District Attorney’s Office. Illegal water diversion, large scale grading, unpermitted structures, as well as numerous other environmental crimes related to marijuana cultivation were discovered.

“Law enforcement officers are assisting those cannabis growers who are operating legally by busting those who are not permitted or licensed,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “Those operating illegally often have firearms on the premises and harm the environment with their grading and use of chemicals.”

The criminal complaints stemming from this operation will be forwarded to the Trinity County District Attorney’s Office.

Agencies Involved:

Trinity County Sheriff’s Office,
California Department of Fish and Wildlife,
California Department of Justice - North State Major Crimes Investigation Team,
California National Guard