STONYFORD, CA (MPG) – Two men were arrested and more than 4,400 marijuana plants were eradicated after a multi-agency law enforcement operation targeted illegal cultivation sites in the Stonyford area on July 30.
Investigators served a search warrant at three parcels in the 4000 block of Sites-Lodoga Road in the Squaw Creek area, where authorities said they found five illegal marijuana cultivation sites.
According to the Colusa County Task Force, specialists with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife determined that three of the cultivation sites had damaged natural creek beds.
Authorities arrested David Bulmaro Arteaga-Carrion, 20, of Stonyford, and Juan Arturo Villafan-Birrueta, 28, of Corning, after investigators said they briefly attempted to flee the area.
Both men were booked on suspicion of unlawful cannabis cultivation causing environmental damage and conspiracy to commit a crime. The task force said the investigation includes seven felony counts involving marijuana cultivation and polluting or damaging a waterway, along with two felony conspiracy counts.
The investigation remains ongoing.