The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit is continuing its investigation into a butane hash oil lab explosion occurring on the 1200 block of E. Bates Road in McKinleyville on Oct. 21, 2018.
The property did not possess the required county permit and state license to manufacture butane hash oil. While on scene, deputies recovered approximately 52 pounds of cannabis bud and seized one firearm, which did not have a serial number.
Deputies have identified multiple persons of interest associated with this butane hash oil lab. One male subject contacted on scene sustained severe burns. He was transferred to an out of area hospital in critical, but stable, condition.
This case is still under investigation. Criminal charges, including manufacturing a controlled substance by means of chemical synthesis (HS11379.6(a)), are expected to be filed. The identification of all persons involved will not be released until formal charges are filed. No arrests have been made at this time.
Anyone with information regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.
--- PREVIOUS 10/21/2018 ---
On 10/21/18 at approximately 2:04 pm, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 1200 block of E. Bates Rd. in McKinleyville for the report of Butane hash oil (BHO) extraction lab explosion. Sheriff’s deputies arrived shortly after Cal Fire and observed an active (BHO) lab inside a shipping container. A male subject was transported to a local hospital with severe burns. His condition is unknown at this time. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit responded to conduct a search of the property.
This incident is under investigation.
Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707)445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.