Oklahoma’s Attorney General Cracks Down on Black Market Marijuana
A major crime bust in Oklahoma has resulted in the arrest of 20 individuals linked to a black market marijuana operation that spanned eight states. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced the results of Operation Blunt Force, which aimed to dismantle the criminal organization responsible for illegal marijuana sales, money laundering, and racketeering.
Drummond expressed his desire to eliminate the marijuana industry from Oklahoma, echoing comments made by Governor Kevin Stitt during his State of the State address. “As a lawyer, I’m concerned about the taking. As a law enforcement officer, I’d love for it to be gone,” he said.
The operation led to the arrest of Hao Chen, the leader of the criminal enterprise, as well as 11 other syndication leaders across multiple states. Law enforcement served 50 search warrants, including one at Everglow Lighting in Midwest City, which was identified as one of 20 fronts operated by the crime ring.
The investigation revealed that the organization was responsible for over $1.5 billion in illegal black-market marijuana sales, money laundering, and other racketeering activity. Nineteen individuals now face charges for racketeering and conspiracy to defraud the state, while 17 are charged with offering a forged instrument for record, related to false information provided in medical marijuana applications across nine farms.
Chen faces additional charges for unlawful proceeds and engaging in a pattern of offenses. He is currently incarcerated at Rikers Island in New York, while at least 13 others arrested have bonded out. Drummond assured that law enforcement is closely monitoring the situation as the case progresses.
The bust is a significant blow to the black market marijuana industry in Oklahoma, and authorities are hopeful that it will help to reduce illegal drug activity in the state.
