Press release provided by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Wednesday, July 29, 2015, the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, assisted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Services, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and The California State Water Board served a Humboldt County Superior Court search warrant at a parcel of property located in the 31000 block of Highway 299 in Willow Creek. When officers arrived at the property, no subjects were located.

During a search of the property, officers located 1481 growing marijuana plants that ranged from 2 feet to 8 feet in height.

Numerous environmental concerns and violations were discovered and are being investigated by the appropriate agencies.

This watershed was identified as a watershed of concern for the taskforce due to the high natural resource value of the watershed and the intensity of cultivation activities in the area;

The taskforce is inspecting private parcels with cannabis cultivation to evaluate site conditions, water use and storage features, and potential threats to water quality.

This case is still under investigation and suspects have been identified. Arrests are anticipated in the near future.

Anyone with information for the Humboldt County Drug Task Force Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force Office at 707-444-8095.