“Investigating illegal cannabis cultivation sometimes seems like an uphill battle, but these investigations help to protect the public, individuals who may be victims of trafficking or unfair labor practices, the environment, and consumers, as well as operations that have the proper permits and licenses.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
HUMBOLDT COUNTY – On August 6, 2026, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served a search warrant to investigate illegal cannabis cultivation in the Willow Creek area. The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife assisted in the service of the warrant.
The parcel had previously been licensed through the California Department of Cannabis Control to cultivate cannabis commercially but the license had since been suspended for a number of issues, including not possessing the required County of Humboldt permits to cultivate. During ongoing aerial surveillance efforts, MET deputies determined that this parcel had active cultivation occurring in violation of state law.
During the service of the warrant, deputies eradicated approximately 6,057 growing cannabis plants and seized and destroyed over 480 pounds of cannabis shake. Deputies also located and seized one rifle.
Additionally, four individuals were located on scene working at the cultivation site. Through the investigation, it was determined these individuals were not being properly compensated, as required by state law, for their labor. Deputies also documented unsafe and inadequate living conditions at the site. Resources and support were provided to these individuals through the Northern California Coalition to Safeguard Communities (NCCSC).
Assisting agencies identified the following violations:
- Water diversion violations (up to $8,000 fine per day, per violation)
- Water pollution violations (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation)
- Depositing trash in or near 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.
Elvecio Machado, 54, of Lafayette, was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following charges:
- H&S 11358(d)(3)(c) — Felony Marijuana Cultivation
- H&S 11366 — Maintaining a place for illicit drugs
- PC 166(a)(4) — Disobeying a court order
- FG 1602(a) — Streambed Alteration
- FG 5652 — Littering in a waterway
- LC 370005 — Failure to properly pay employees.
This investigation highlights that not all cannabis cultivation operations are operating legally or in compliance with state and local regulations. MET deputies and assisting agencies continue to investigate illegal cultivation sites where violations extend beyond the cannabis plants themselves, including environmental crimes, labor exploitation, and other associated offenses.
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.
