On April 29, 2021, wildlife officers with the California Department of Fish Wildlife (CDFW) served search warrants at two locations in the area of Island Mountain. The first location consisted of three parcels (one owner), which straddled Mendocino and Trinity counties. The second location was a single parcel in Mendocino County.

Support was provided by CDFW Environmental Scientists, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board).

The search warrants were obtained as part of an investigation into illegal cannabis cultivation and environmental crimes. A thorough records check was conducted and none of the locations obtained the necessary county and state permits and state license to cultivate commercial cannabis.

Over 17,000 illegal cannabis plants were eradicated. Numerous environmental violations were documented by CDFW and the State Water Board, which included illegal diversion of surface water for cannabis irrigation, trash, debris and pollutants within 150 feet of waters of the state and unlawful deposition of substances into state waters, which are harmful to fish, plant life, mammals and birds.

Two subjects were detained. Formal complaints will be filed with the Mendocino County District Attorney’s office. No other information is available at this time.

Source: https://kymkemp.com/2021/05/01/17000-illegal-cannabis-plants-eradicated-in-island-mountain-raid/