Authorities in Mendocino County announced details of a large-scale operation targeting illegal cannabis cultivation. Last month, 30,000 plants were seized from more than a dozen locations.
The sheriff’s office said Monday they have processed numerous arrest warrants in the Round Valley area, in the northern part of the county.
“These operations were conducted in collaboration with state and federal partners to address unregulated and unlicensed marijuana production and its impact on the community and quality of life of Covelo residents,” deputies said in a statement.
During the operation, which took place between September 21 and 25, a total of 16 locations were attacked.
The majority of the sites were in and around the community of Covelo, more than 60 miles north of Ukiah, while one site was in the Mendocino National Forest.
Researchers have found numerous water diversions and what they describe as “extremely dangerous pesticides” near waterways, including pesticides banned in the U.S.
Deputies said a total of 30,482 plants, 23,246 pounds of processed cannabis (11.62 tons) and one pound of psilocybin mushrooms were seized. Six firearms, including a “ghost gun” and a sawed-off shotgun, were also seized, along with more than $132,000 in cash.
Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office
The sheriff’s office said reports will be sent to the district attorney’s office requesting that “several individuals” be charged in the case.
Anyone with information about illegal cannabis cultivation in Mendocino County is urged to call the sheriff’s office non-emergency tip line at 707-234-2100.
