On Sept. 23, 2025, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team served three search warrants in the Island Mountain area of northern Mendocino County as part of an illegal cannabis cultivation investigation. The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office and the Butte County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the service of the warrants.
Three parcels were investigated during the service of the warrants. The parcels did not have the required county permit or state license to cultivate cannabis commercially.
During the service of the warrants, deputies eradicated about 6,259 growing cannabis plants. They also seized and destroyed more than 612 pounds of cannabis bud and shake.
Assisting environmental agencies found chemicals restricted for use in California. These included pesticides such as imidacloprid, which is highly toxic to pollinators, and myclobutanil. Both are listed on California’s Groundwater Protection List. Investigators also found bromethalin, a neurotoxic rodenticide known to kill local wildlife. All of these pesticides are prohibited for use in cannabis cultivation by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.
No subjects were contacted on scene. This is an ongoing investigation into those responsible.
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.
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