“We must take action to stop the destruction of our environment caused by illicit cannabis grows and cultivation. In addition to damaging our soil and waterways, the pollutants and chemicals used in these illegal operations can pose serious risks to fish and wildlife. Eradicating illegal cannabis operations helps protect our environment, safeguard public health and safety, and ensure a level playing field for cannabis businesses that are properly licensed and permitted.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
HUMBOLDT COUNTY – On September 9-10, 2026, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET), with assistance from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis Task Force, served multiple search warrants to investigate illegal cannabis cultivation in the Ettersburg, Dutyville, Honeydew, and Petrolia areas.
During the service of the warrants, law enforcement officers eradicated approximately 5,721 illicit cannabis plants and seized approximately 90 pounds of illicit processed cannabis. The law enforcement officers also located and seized one butane hash oil laboratory.
Assisting agencies identified the following environmental 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 a waterway violations (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation)
The investigations also identified the following violations:
- H&S 11358(d)(3)(c) — Felony Marijuana Cultivation
- H&S 11359(b) — Possession of Marijuana for Sale
- H&S 11366 — Maintaining a Place for Illicit Drugs
- FG 1602(a) — Streambed Alteration
- FG 5652 — Littering in a Waterway
Additional civil fines and enforcement actions related to the environmental violations may be filed by the assisting agencies.
These investigations highlight that illegal cannabis cultivation can involve violations that extend beyond the cultivation and possession of cannabis. MET deputies and assisting agencies continue to investigate illicit cultivation sites where environmental crimes and other associated offenses are identified.
