21 April 2024 , 12:41
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Police uncovered a massive, high-tech illicit marijuana grow operation after a bust in a secluded home.
Authorities became suspicious after observing a spike in electricity consumption and a strong odour from a residence in Maine. The home, covered with cardboard on its windows and emitting a stench of marijuana, led authorities to uncover nearly 40 pounds (18 kilograms) of processed marijuana.
While Maine has legalised adult marijuana consumption, growers must obtain state licenses. The bust comes amid growing concern about foreign nationals exploiting US state laws that have legalized cannabis for recreational or medical use.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating international criminal organizations operating illegal marijuana grows in approximately 20 states, including Maine.
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The operation led to the arrest of a naturalized US citizen, Xisen Guo (AP)Federal officials have disclosed around 100 illicit grow operations in Maine, with about 40 search warrants issued since June. One such operation was found in Passadumkeag, a town in Maine, about 60 miles (96.5 kilometres) north of Bangor.
A naturalized US citizen born in China identified as Xisen Guo is accused of running this high-tech, illicit grow operation. He was arrested on federal drug charges and is being held without bail, with a detention hearing scheduled for Monday.
Multiple agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Homeland Security, FBI, DEA, and local law enforcement, are collaborating to investigate the illicit grow operations in Maine, according to Attorney General Merrick Garland. Court documents indicate that Guo was operating without a license.
Organised groups are reportedly exploiting state cannabis laws (AP)This trend of illicit grow operations with international ties has been growing over the years. In 2018, US authorities arrested a Seattle woman involved in an operation with Chinese connections and seized thousands of marijuana plants. Similarly, Oklahoma officials discovered illegal operations run by individuals from China and Mexico after the state legalized medical marijuana in 2018.
Maine US Attorney Darcie McElwee emphasized that combating these illegal grow operations with international links is a priority. She said: "We will continue to marshal every tool at our disposal in this effort as appropriate."
Law enforcement officials became suspicious of the Passadumkeag operation due to the home's unusually high electricity bills. After the home was purchased for $125,000 in cash, electricity costs soared from about $300 a month to nearly $9,000. Investigators believe this increase is consistent with the energy requirements for growing marijuana, including heat pumps and expensive lighting.
The home's owner, a limited liability company, had also doubled the electric capability, surpassing what is typically found in a Maine home. Two other individuals present during the police raid in February were released without charges.
McElwee noted: "The possible involvement of foreign nationals using Maine properties to profit from unlicensed marijuana operations and interstate distributions makes it clear that there is a need for a strong and sustained federal, state and local effort to shut down these operations."