Illegal marijuana grow bust in Oklahoma nets 40,000 plants; 15 detained by ICE

The state's Organized Crime Task Force confiscates more than 40,000 marijuana plants and 1,000 pounds of processed marijuana in a grow bust in Mayes and Craig counties.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond says they started investigating when several out-of-state vehicles were spotted hauling untagged marijuana in Vinita.

Image Provided By: OCTF

“The Organized Crime Task Force and its partner agencies across the state are having a meaningful impact attacking the illegal marijuana trade that has infiltrated Oklahoma since the 2018 legalization of medical marijuana,” Drummond said. “The Chinese crime syndicates and Mexican drug cartels are getting the message loud and clear that they are not welcome in Oklahoma. We will not let up until this scourge is erased from our state.”

Image Provided By: OCTF

AG Drummond said authorities found six guns and three silencers. ICE detained 15 people at the scene.

35-year-old Chinese national Qi Chen is now facing drug manufacturing and trafficking charges.

Authorities say the investigation began in early June, when multiple vehicles with out-of-state tags were seen hauling untagged processed marijuana from various sites in Vinita.