Multiple Raids Near Branscomb — 2500+ Marijuana Plants/ 200+ Pounds Manicured

Brian Cole

Mendocino Co. Sheriff Press Release:

On 09/18/13 and 09/19/13 Deputies from the County of Mendocino Marijuana Eradication Team (COMMET) assisted by Cannabis Eradication Reclamation Team (CERT), Wardens from California Department of Fish and Wildlife and officers from the Mendocino County Probation Department conducted a series of marijuana related raids in the Branscomb Road/Wilderness Lodge Road area of Branscomb, California.

Two search warrants were served on rural parcels of property in the Branscomb area.  At one of the search warrant locations, Brian Cole was encountered.  Located at this location were 201 large marijuana plants and approximately 60 pounds of processed marijuana.  Cole was arrested and booked into the Mendocino County jail were he was subsequently released after posting $25,000.00 bail.

Located at the second search warrant location were 785 marijuana plants that were being grown in greenhouses.  No suspects were located at the second search warrant location and the case is currently under investigation by COMMET.

At a third location an illegal water diversion was discovered.  The water was being taken off of private timber lands and being diverted to a private parcel that was using the water to grow 153 marijuana plants.  This incident is currently under investigation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for prosecution.

An additional 1,531 marijuana plants and 150 pounds of processed marijuana were located and eradicated from open field locations in the area.  These marijuana grows are currently under investigated by COMMET.