HCSO Press Releases: Burglary, Burglary and Tresspass Grow with Peanut Butter Flavor Rodenticide

Tresspass Grow on USFS property with Peanut Butter Flavor Rodenticide

On 07-28-2014 and 07-29-2014, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office assisted by the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (C.A.M.P.), and United States Forest Service (U.S.F.S.) agents responded to U.S.F.S. property on Brush Mountain, Gainor Peak and Oak Knob in eastern Humboldt County after sighting marijuana being cultivated on U.S.F.S. land. The deputies were also accompanied by three scientists, two from Integral Ecology Research Center, one of which is also associated with UC Davis, and a Hoopa Tribal Wildlife Ecologist.

During two days, deputies seized 3,760 marijuana plants ranging in size from 18 inches  to 4 feet. Deputies and scientists located water diversion, mounds of trash and 24 pounds of rodenticides, of which 9 pounds was peanut butter flavored, and 15 pounds was second generation rodenticide. Malathion and fertilizers were also located at the scenes. No suspects were located in the area of the trespass marijuana grows, however deputies have obtained evidence from the scenes which is being processed, and the investigation is ongoing.

The spring fed water sources that were diverted and used to water the marijuana plants, flow into the South Fork of the Trinity River. The springs were part of a network of subterranean water sources.  The scientists reported that impacts from the water diversions and chemicals used on the grows could affect Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Foothill Yellow Legged Frogs and the western Pond Turtle.

The scientists reported the rodenticides could potentially kill Fisher, Northern Spotted Owl, American Black Bear, Black Tailed Deer and Humboldt Marten.

Below are quotes from Dr. Mourad Gabriel- UC Davis Wildlife Ecologist/ Integral Ecology Research Center who was present with the deputies and USFS Agents

"The removal of this massive amount of killing agents within prime spotted owl and fisher habitat is pertinent for the conservation of these species."
" The illegal diversion of this amount of water prohibits the flow of cool water into tributaries that support our salmon populations."
"In light of the current drought and high water temperatures, this represents another blow to our already taxed watersheds."
"These remediation efforts are crucial in protecting our forest ecosystems."

Vehicle Theft

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public to lock their vehicles and do not store valuables in vehicles. Deputies have recently experienced a rise in reported thefts from unlocked vehicles, county wide.  Victims have left wallets, Compact Discs, stereo equipment and banks cards in unlocked vehicles which have been stolen.  Do not leave garage door openers in vehicles. Thieves will use garage door openers to enter victim’s homes.

Hoby's Market burglarized again

Between 6-13-2014 and 07-30-14, Hoby’s Market, Scotia has been burglarized three times. The last two burglaries occurred on 07-28-2014 and 07-30-2014. All the burglaries occurred between 12:00 midnight and 5:30 a.m. The burglars have stolen several boxes of Camel and American Spirits Cigarettes, Backwoods Cigars, cases of rolling papers, men’s magazines and several bottles Grey Goose Vodka, Cuervo Gold Tequila, Fireball Whiskey and candy. The burglar( s) smashed a side window of the business on 6-13-2014, and have re-entered via that same window after pushing in the plywood covering. The total estimated loss is over $3,000.00 at this time.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Fortuna Police have responded to the alarm calls at the business; however the burglar (s) have fled prior to the deputies’ arrival.  The Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects.