More than 40,000 marijuana plants and 1,000 lbs. of processed marijuana seized in drug sting in Mayes, Craig counties

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced today that a major illegal marijuana grow operation bust in Mayes and Craig counties, led by the Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF), resulted in the seizure of 40,723 marijuana plants and over 1,000 pounds of processed marijuana.

Qi Wei Chen, a 35-year-old Chinese national, faces charges in Craig County for aggravated manufacturing of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana), trafficking of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana), and possession of a firearm during a felony.

“The Organized Crime Task Force and its partner agencies are making a significant impact against the illegal marijuana trade that has grown in Oklahoma since the 2018 medical marijuana legalization,” Drummond said. “Chinese crime syndicates and Mexican drug cartels are being warned they are not welcome here. We will continue until this issue is eliminated from our state.”

The June 24 operation involved multiple agencies, including the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, Craig County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, District 13 District Attorney’s Task Force, Grand River Dam Authority, Homeland Security Investigations, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, Mayes County District 3 Commissioner, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, and the 63rd Civil Support Team of the Oklahoma Army National Guard.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 15 individuals for deportation from the illegal sites.

Authorities seized six handguns and three silencers.

The investigation began earlier this month after spotting vehicles with out-of-state plates transporting untagged processed marijuana from various Vinita locations.