More than 40,000 marijuana plants seized during bust of suspected illegal grow operation

More than 40,000 marijuana plants and over 1,000 pounds of processed marijuana were seized during a bust of a suspected illegal grow operation in northeastern Oklahoma. >> Download the KOCO 5 App | Subscribe to KOCO 5’s YouTube channelThe large-scale bust was conducted Tuesday at a grow operation in Mayes and Craig counties. Along with the marijuana seizure, law enforcement confiscated six handguns and three silencers. The investigation began earlier this month when several vehicles with out-of-state license plates appeared to be hauling untagged processed marijuana from various sites in Vinita, according to the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office. “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 in a news release. “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.” >> Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here.A 35-year-old Chinese national was arrested and faces charges in Craig County for aggravated manufacturing of a controlled dangerous substance, trafficking of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement also detained 15 people for deportation found working at the facilities. Top HeadlinesWhale watchers spot 2 great white sharks in waters off Gloucester, MassachusettsLawsuit claims Oklahoma teen was beaten at party before body was found on Oklahoma highwayJalen Williams shows appreciation for fans after meet-and-greet at Dick’s House of SportGov. Stitt, Sec. Kennedy detail directives in ‘Make America Healthy Again’ executive order