Suspected drug ring busted

Properties involved in a suspected drug trafficking organization, which authorities believe is responsible for growing marijuana on national forests, were raided by law enforcement agents Wednesday.

According to information from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, agents served search warrants on residences on the 800 and 1500 blocks of McCullens Avenue, the 1200 block of Sea Avenue, the 2900 block of Fairfield Street, the 2900 block and 3500 block of H Street, and the 3200 block of Hiller Avenue.

The raids were the culmination of a one-year investigation into the suspected drug trafficking organization, which drug enforcement investigators have linked to growing operations on public land in Humboldt and Trinity counties.

During the raids, authorities reportedly seized approximately 125 pounds of processed marijuana, 20 firearms -- including an AK-47 assault rifle with high-capacity magazines -- ammunition, scales and other evidence associated with marijuana cultivation and sales.

In total, six suspects were arrested. They include Nao Pao Vang, 40, Rocky Chan, 35, Long Lee, 33, Sa Lia Her, 46, Cheng Her, 25 and Bao Vang, 40....

...all the suspects were booked into the Humboldt County jail where they are being held on charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

In addition to the Drug Task Force, agencies that assisted in the raids included the Eureka Police Department, the California Department of Justice and the California Department of Justice.

☛ TS Suspected drug ring busted