Penthouse Hash Mill Foiled By Creek Spewage – February 16, 2012
Eye Staff Report
FOSTER AVENUE – According to an Arcata Police Department press release, APD received information over the past month that a concentrated cannabis “hash” manufacturing operation was being run out of an apartment in the 1600 block of Foster Avenue.
After a lengthy investigation, a search warrant was obtained for the residence and served yesterday, Feb. 15, officers from the Arcata Police Department served the warrant. Upon entering the residence, APD says officers located over two-and-a-half pounds of hash and six-and-a-half pounds of processed marijuana.
Lance Christian Lorenzen, 27, was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Jail on the following felony charges:
Lance Christian Lorenzen
• 11357(a) H&S – Possession of Concentrated Cannabis
• 11359 H&S – Possession of Marijuana for Sale
• 11357(c) H&S – Possession of Marijuana More Than One Ounce
APD Det. Sgt. Todd Dokweiler said the hash was scattered about in various stages of processing in an upstairs hash factory. “There were paper plates everywhere” with the hash on them, Dokweiler said.
Lorenzen entertained multiple house guests downstairs. “The apartment had a ton of people living in it,” Dokweiler said. “It was kind of a flophouse.”
The hash-making operation was located on the second floor of the apartment for apparent security reasons. Had the product been left out, Dokweiler said, “It certainly would have been pilfered.”
Security measures didn’t extend outside, though, and as is the case with so many cannabis-related busts, telltale signs of illicit activity were what attracted police. The “bubble hash” method being used generates cannabis waste material, from which the THC has been drawn.
“He was dumping large piles of by-product over the fence by [Janes] Creek,” Dokweiler said. “Certainly that sloppiness attracts attention.”
Dokweiler said Lorenzen didn’t have a Prop 215 medical cannabis recommendation. “Just doing business,” he said.
If you suspect illegal drug activity in your neighborhood, contact the Arcata Police Department at (707) 822-2428.
