COMMET raids Sherwood Rancheria, DEA and BIA involved

WILLITS, CA., 7/27/17 — Tuesday, July 25, a joint team of local and federal law enforcement officers raided the eastern property of the Sherwood Rancheria, in the Willits-Little Lake Valley, arresting six people and cutting down 2,421 plants. Interviews with neighbors give the impression that a very large grow had been operated for some time on tribal land, by a member of the tribe, though often using non-tribal workers. One resident also complained of excessive water use that effectively left other members of the tribe without water at times, and other environmental problems.

Asked for comment the Chair of the Sherwood Tribal Council Michael Knight refused to answer questions, saying only that he does not give interviews. However, Captain Greg Van Patten, who acts as public information officer for the MCSO, said in an interview, “The tribal council approached us asked us to enforce marijuana laws.” He expanded, saying that the MCSO has the authority to enforce state and local law on tribal land pursuant to a federal law, Public Law 280. He added that, though it is the sheriff’s office’s stance that they are not required to contact the BIA to operate on tribal land, they do coordinate.