On June 12, 2025, wildlife officers from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Cannabis Enforcement Program (CEP), in collaboration with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET), executed three search warrants targeting suspected illegal cannabis operations in Humboldt County. These enforcement actions focused on sites believed to be involved in the unlicensed cultivation and manufacturing of cannabis products.
The coordinated operation took place across three separate locations: the 6000 block of 2nd Street in Fields Landing, the 3000 block of Old Briceland Road in Garberville, and a site on Fir Lane in Benbow, all within Humboldt County. None of the properties involved had the required state licenses to legally cultivate or manufacture cannabis products for commercial purposes.
As a result of the search warrants, officers seized and destroyed a significant volume of illegal cannabis products, including over 34,500 pounds of cannabis shake—a byproduct of trimming used in cannabis processing—and more than 1,200 pounds of concentrated cannabis. These figures highlight the scale of the suspected illegal operations and the continued prevalence of unlicensed cannabis activity despite the state’s regulated market.
In addition to the cannabis-related materials, officers discovered and confiscated two un-serialized firearms—an AR-style rifle and a semi-automatic pistol—both of which are illegal under California's firearm regulations. Authorities also seized approximately $14,600 in cash, suspected to be proceeds derived from the illegal cannabis activity.
Three individuals were detained during the searches, interviewed by law enforcement, and subsequently released. The investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been filed at this time. It is important to note that the information released is part of an active law enforcement investigation. All individuals mentioned should be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The CDFW Cannabis Enforcement Program, in partnership with local agencies like the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, continues to target illegal cannabis cultivation and manufacturing, particularly when such operations pose environmental and public safety risks.
This enforcement action reflects California’s ongoing efforts to support a legal, regulated cannabis market while holding violators accountable. Licensed operators who follow state guidelines and contribute to the legal market are undermined by illicit operations, which not only damage the environment but also evade taxes and safety regulations.
As the investigation continues, further updates may be provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.