Residents in Oklahoma are being cautioned by farmers about the presence of cannabis farms operated by individuals with strong backing from China.
These workers are reportedly heavily armed and are using counterfeit Amazon trucks, raising concerns among the local community.
States Combat Surge in Chinese Weed Farms Linked to Criminal Gangs
Authorities in Oklahoma, Oregon, California, New Mexico, as well as Maine have been grappling with a significant increase in Chinese weed farms, suspected to have ties to criminal gangs.
In February, three Chinese nationals were arrested at a cannabis farm in Penobscot County, Maine. The police seized 40 pounds of the drug and $4,700 in cash, highlighting the seemingly uncontainable spread of this issue.
Local farmers, including Larry Williams, have expressed concerns about reports suggesting that Chinese-owned growers are arming themselves with AK-47s, which has created a sense of intimidation, Daily Mail reported.
There are additional indicators that distinguish the illegal grow-houses from those that are native to Oklahoma.
According to Williams, some farms have unique features like air condition units outside the barns and special fencing that sets them apart from others.
Williams also states that these farms are quickly built and ready to operate within a few months.
The marijuana is being sold on the black market to dealers on the east coast, who continue to make profits despite the legalization of recreational cannabis in many states along the eastern seaboard.
Cartels, Chinese Network Move $50M in Drug Profits
According to News Nation via MSN, Mexican cartels are providing exclusive border crossing packages to migrants, offering them a so-called 'VIP' experience.
Last week, federal drug officials revealed that associates of a notorious drug cartel in Los Angeles collaborated with a Chinese underground banking network to transfer over $50 million in drug profits.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration has recently announced federal charges against 24 individuals as a result of a thorough investigation known as "Operation Fortune Runner." The indictment, which was handed down in April, was made public last Monday.
According to federal officials, there are allegations of a money laundering network connected to the Sinaloa cartel.
This network has ties to a California money transmitting group, which is also linked to Chinese underground banking.
The network is accused of collecting funds from drug trafficking and processing them as US currency.
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