Search warrant served in the 200 block of Ware Ranch Road in Alderpoint

 

On July 16, 2026, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served a search warrant as a part of an investigation into illegal cannabis cultivation in the 200 block for Ware Ranch Road in the Alderpoint area. The California Department of Fish & Wildlife and the California Department of Cannabis Control assisted in the service of the warrants.

The property investigated was identified through arial surveillance and did not possess the required county permit and state license to cultivate cannabis commercially. On scene deputies located sub-par living conditions for those working the site. These poor conditions are often indicative of labor exploitation. No individuals were located on scene at the time of the warrant service.

During the service of the warrant, deputies eradicated approximately 2,180 growing cannabis plants, 1,199 cannabis clone starts. Additionally, Deputies seized and destroyed over 2,300 pounds of cannabis bud.

Assisting agencies found the following violations:

Water diversion violations (up to $8,000 fine per day, per violation)

Stream alteration violations (up to $8,000 fine per day, per violation)

Depositing trash in or near a waterway violations (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation)

Additional violations with civil fines are expected to be filed by the assisting agencies.

No arrests were made during the service of the warrant. The case will be forwarded to the DA’s Office for review.