On July 29, 2020, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served three search warrants to investigate illegal cannabis cultivation in the Southern Humboldt area. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, CAL-FIRE and Humboldt County Code Enforcement assisted in the service of the warrants.
Three parcels were investigated during the service of the warrant. The parcels did not possess the required county permit and state license to cultivate cannabis commercially. Additionally, all three parcels were the subject of numerous citizen complaints from community members regarding illegal cultivation operations.
Deputies served one search warrant at a parcel on the 11,500 block of Dyerville Loop Road in Miranda. During the service of the warrant, deputies eradicated approximately 19,523 growing cannabis plants. Deputies also located and seized 1,599 grams of Butane Honey Oil (BHO), 596- one-pound bags of manicured cannabis bud, 288 grams of cocaine, 36 explosives and nine firearms.
Assisting agencies found the following violations:
- Six water diversion violations (up to $8,000 fine per day, per violation)
- Two water pollution violations (up to $20,000 fine per day, per violation)
Additional violations with civil fines are expected to be filed by the assisting agencies.
Dylan Toews, age 50, and Jennifer Toews, age 51, were cited on charges of possession of a narcotic controlled substance for sales, possession of an illegal explosive, violation of Fish and Game Code 1602 and possession of cannabis for sales.
Deputies also served two search warrants at parcels in the Shelter Cove area. During the service of the warrants, deputies eradicated approximately 857 growing cannabis plants.
Assisting agencies found five water diversion violations (up to $8,000 fine per day, per violation).
No arrests were made during the service of the two warrants. The case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review.
Anyone with information about these cases 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.