The Humboldt County Drug Task Force arrested two San Francisco men at a Eureka hotel today as a part of a fentanyl investigation after they reported finding a small arsenal, drugs and bags of blood spattered clothing.

The agents raided the motel room of Joseff Gene Greek, 34, this morning and took him and Dale Michael Melvin, 24, into custody after after reportedly finding equipment consistent with "manufacturing assault weapons, pistols, and unregistered firearms," as well as an assault rifle, multiple handguns, silencers, high-capacity magazines and large amounts of ammunition, according to a press release. Agents also reported finding 3 ounces of fentanyl and 6 ounces of methamphetamine, as well as two garbage bags filled with clothing covered in "blood spatter."

"It is unknown how these clothes became in this condition," the release states. "The clothes were seized as potential evidence in other crimes."

According to the press release, Greek and Melvin were booked into jail on suspicion of weapons and possession narcotics for sale.

For more information, see the press release copied below. And for more on why local police fear the spread of fentanyl, see past Journal coverage here.

PRESS RELEASE

In early January of 2021 special agents with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) initiated an investigation into the fentanyl distribution operation of Joseff Gene Greek (34 years old from San Francisco). Greek is currently on Federal probation for firearms violations. Agents had developed probable cause to believe Greek was transporting large quantities of fentanyl from San Francisco to Humboldt County on a regular basis.

During the final weekend of January 2021 agents conducted surveillance on Greek as he travelled from San Francisco to Sacramento, then to Mendocino County, and eventually on Sunday morning January 31st, 2021 Greek entered Humboldt County and checked into a hotel room in the area of 4th St. and B St. in Eureka. HCDTF agents obtained a search warrant for Greek and his hotel room.

At approx. 10:15am agents performed knock and notice on the door of Greek’s hotel room. A second male that was in the room with Greek, Dale Michael Melvin (24 years old from San Francisco), jumped out the back window of the second story hotel room in an attempt to flee. Humboldt County Sheriff Deputies were waiting in the alley way behind the hotel and detained Melvin. HCDTF agents breached the hotel room and detained Greek without incident.

Inside the hotel room agents located equipment for manufacturing assault weapons, pistols, and unregistered firearms. Agents also located an assault rifle, multiple handguns, a zip gun, silencers, several high capacity magazines, and large amounts of ammunition. Agents located documents detailing the manufacturing of firearms and price lists for the firearms distribution operation.

Agents also located approx. 3 ounces of fentanyl, 6 ounces of methamphetamine, cutting agents, scales, and packaging. Inside the room agents located two bags full of clothes covered in blood splatter. It is unknown how these clothes became in this condition. The clothes were seized as potential evidence in other crimes.

Greek and Melvin were transported to the Humboldt County Jail where they were booked for the following charges:

• H&S 11370.1 Possession of controlled substance while armed
• H&S 11352(b) Transportation of controlled substances across noncontiguous counties
• H&S 11351 Possession of controlled substances for sale
• H&S 11379(b) Transportation of methamphetamine across noncontiguous counties
• H&S 11378 Possession of methamphetamine for sale
• H&S 11366.5 Maintaining rented room for distributing controlled substances
• PC 29800(a)(1) Felon in possession of a firearm
• PC 33410 Possession of a silencer
• PC 31500 Possession of an unconventional pistol (zip gun)
• PC 30605(a) Possession of an assault weapon
• PC 30600(a) Manufacturing assault weapons
• PC 148(a)(1) Resisting or obstructing a police officer

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.

Sergeant Matt Tomlin