Four Chinese Nationals Charged in $5 Million Marijuana Grow Operation in Michigan
Michigan State Police executed a search warrant at a warehouse in Alabaster Township, Iosco County, and discovered a massive illegal marijuana growing operation. The operation, valued at over $5 million, was found to have 5,057 marijuana plants at various stages of growth.
The investigation led authorities to four Chinese nationals who lived in an apartment on the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. A Michigan State Police trooper spotted the four suspects in a vehicle linked to the operation driving on US-23 in Iosco County and arrested them during a traffic stop.
The suspects, Meiqing Chen, Wenying Wu, Changning Zhen, and a fourth individual who is in the country illegally, were charged with felony possession with intent to deliver more than 200 marijuana plants and maintaining a drug house. If convicted, they face up to 15 years in prison.
Authorities believe the suspects were part of a multi-state and multi-national organized crime ring with ties to China. The investigation is ongoing, and federal agents are working to dismantle the operation.
The Michigan State Police hazardous materials team took custody of the marijuana plants and destroyed them. The case is a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in Michigan and highlights the efforts of law enforcement to combat organized crime.
