The following is a press release issued by California Department of Fish and Wildlife:
On July 9, 2021, wildlife officers with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) served three search warrants in the Laytonville and Willits area.
Support was provided by a CDFW Environmental Scientist, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the State Water Board, Mendocino County Code Enforcement and CALFire.
Prior to serving the search warrant, a thorough records check was conducted on the properties to determine what steps may have been taken to secure a state license. In these cases, no state license to cultivate commercial cannabis had been issued.
Numerous environmental violations were discovered at the sites to include: illegal streambed alterations, unpermitted culvert installation, surface water diversions, unpermitted grading, illegal timber conversion and a poached deer.
Over 12,600 illegal cannabis plants were eradicated and over 2,600 pounds of illegal processed cannabis was destroyed.
Formal complaints will be filed with the Mendocino County District Attorney’s office. No other information is available at this time.
