Mendocino County Authorities Dismantle Several Illegal Cannabis Cultivation Sites
Photos courtesy of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, carried out several warrants at unlicensed cannabis cultivation sites in the Round Valley area during the final weeks of September 2024.
According to a press release by the Sheriff’s Office, authorities identified multiple sites in violation of state laws, lacking the required permits for legal cultivation. Law enforcement officials reported that these illegal operations pose risks to public safety, environmental integrity, and the broader community’s health.
Sixteen locations were targeted during the operation, most situated in the Covelo area and one in the Mendocino National Forest. Investigators reportedly discovered several instances of water diversion and the use of banned pesticides near local waterways.
In the course of the operation, officials seized 30,482 marijuana plants, 23,246 pounds of processed cannabis, and six firearms, two of which are illegal to possess in California.
Authorities reportedly also confiscated one pound of psilocybin mushrooms and $132,010 in cash. Criminal investigations remain ongoing.
Reports will be sent to the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office for potential charges against several individuals, the Sheriff’s Office said.
