UPDATE: Drug Task Force serves 4 search warrants across Eureka, 4 arrests made

EUREKA, Calif. — UPDATE 7/12 @ 2 P.M.

A total of four search warrants were served by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force on Tuesday and four people were arrested because of it.

The warrants were served at locations across Eureka as part of an almost year-long investigation into methamphetamine trafficking.

The following press release is from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:

Since late 2021 the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) has been investigating a drug trafficking organization operating out of Eureka that was distributing methamphetamine throughout Humboldt County. As a result of this investigation, Agents obtained several search warrants for locations through the Eureka area.

On July 12th, 2022, with assistance from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team, Deputies from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Officers from the Eureka Police Department, Officers from the Fortuna Police Department, and Officers of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, HCDTF Agents served four search warrants on residences in the Eureka Area.

Agents served a search warrant at a home in the 1500 block of 6th street in Eureka. Agents detained Maximo Espitia (61 years old of Eureka) and his wife, Rosa Espitia (58 years old of Eureka). Agents located approximately one ounce of methamphetamine at this location.

Maximo and Rosa Espitia were booked at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following charges:

• HS11378 Possession of Methamphetamine for Sales
• HS11366.5(A) Maintaining or Operating a Drug House
• PC182(A)(1) Conspiracy

Agents served a second search warrant at an apartment in the 1400 block of Bay Street in Eureka where they detained Jason Veitch (45 years old of Eureka). At this location, Agents found a small amount of Fentanyl on the ground and in close proximity to a young child’s toys and diapers. Agents also located approximately two ounces of methamphetamine.

Jason Veitch was booked at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following charges:

• HS11351 Possession of Fentanyl for Sales
• HS11378 Possession of Methamphetamine for Sales
• HS11366.5 Maintaining or Operating a Drug House
• PC182(A)(1) Conspiracy
• PC273a(A) Child Endangerment

Agents served a third search warrant at a residence in the 3200 block of Albee Street in Eureka. Agents located Joseph Bacon (31 years old of Eureka) who was found to be in possession of a small amount of

Fentanyl and ammunition. Charges for these offenses will be requested from the DA’s office at a later date.

A fourth search warrant was served at a residence in the 3800 block of Lissa Drive in Eureka. Agents conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Wayne Nathaniel Allen (41 years old from Eureka) as he approached his residence. Also, inside the vehicle were two of his children. Inside the residence, Agents located 6.5 pounds of methamphetamine.

Wayne Allen was booked at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following charges:

• HS11378 Possession of Methamphetamine for Sales
• PC182(A)(1) Conspiracy
• PC273a(A) Child Endangerment

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.

ORIGINAL STORY

The Humboldt County Drug Task Force served a search warrant at a Eureka apartment on Tuesday morning.

A large multi-agency law enforcement response arrived outside of the Bay Marsh apartment complex on Bay Street in Eureka around 9 a.m. Officials could be seen using K-9 units to search areas around the apartment complex's parking lot.

While on the scene, a drug task force agent confirmed with North Coast News that a warrant was served at an apartment there, everyone involved was detained, and there was no threat to the general public.

The agent could not confirm what was recovered during the serving of the warrant, but more information is expected from officials soon.