Authorities raid marijuana-growing operation near Mendocino-Humboldt border

Multiple marijuana raids are underway in a pot-rich region in the heart of the Emerald Triangle that involve law enforcement officers from Mendocino, Humboldt and Trinity counties, officials said.

Authorities began serving search warrants Monday morning in the Island Mountain area, which is associated with large-scale cannabis cultivation, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.

“This is an area that currently has a significant amount of growing marijuana, especially in the area of Mendocino County, Sheriff’s Capt. Greg Van Patten said.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is investigating illegal water diversions, water theft and environmental degradation at the site, sheriff’s officials said.

Specifics of the operation were not available Monday.