Photo: Courtesy of Trinity County Sheriff’s Department
Hayfork, CA – In an extensive operation spanning two days, investigators from the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by multiple law enforcement agencies, executed search warrants in the Hayfork and Trinity Pines areas on May 1 and May 2, 2023. The joint effort involved agents from the North State Major Crimes Investigation Team, a law enforcement investigator from Cal Fire, inspectors from the Trinity County Environmental Health Department, and the Trinity County District Attorney’s Office Victim Advocate.
The outcome of these coordinated search warrants proved to be a significant blow to illegal marijuana operations in the region. Over 16,000 marijuana plants and a staggering 7,500 pounds of processed marijuana were discovered and subsequently destroyed. The operation also yielded the seizure of 25 firearms, including a short-barreled assault rifle ghost gun, and a substantial sum of $64,566 in US currency. Numerous individuals were detained, interviewed, and later released pending charges to be filed by the Trinity County District Attorney’s Office.
One particularly notable incident occurred during the execution of a search warrant at Nhia Yang‘s property. Investigators encountered Yang, who was accompanied by five aggressive dogs. Yang, non-compliant with investigators, attempted to deter them by standing near one of the aggressive dogs. As investigators moved forward to apprehend Yang, one of the dogs launched an attack on an investigator, who was left with no choice but to defend himself by firing a single shot, resulting in the demise of the aggressive dog. The injured dog was immediately transported to a local veterinary clinic, where despite efforts to save it, it tragically passed away. Nhia Yang, a resident of Hayfork, CA, was subsequently arrested on charges including illegal marijuana cultivation, possession of marijuana for sale, and resisting arrest.
Additionally, during the execution of the search warrants, inspectors from the Trinity County Environmental Health Department discovered several containers of illegal pesticides at nearly all the sites targeted. Furthermore, unpermitted structures, illegal electrical wiring, burning of garbage, and illegal disposal of sewage were also uncovered at multiple locations.
The evidence gathered during the operation will now be compiled into criminal complaints to be forwarded to the Trinity County District Attorney’s Office for further legal proceedings.
The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, along with their collaborative partners, have taken a significant stride in dismantling illicit marijuana cultivation operations within the county. This operation serves as a reminder of their unwavering commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
