Illegal Chinese Marijuana Operations Spread Across Rural Maine – Law Enforcement Is Doing NothingPosted by MMP News AuthorOn November 23, 2023
Maine faces a surge in illegal marijuana grows run by Chinese nationals, with little intervention from law enforcement.By yourNEWS Media StaffMaine has become a hotbed for illegal marijuana grows operated by Chinese nationals, a situation that is raising concerns among local residents and officials. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), there are 270 suspected Chinese illegal marijuana grow operations in the state, potentially generating $4.37 billion in revenue. Investigations by the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF) and The Maine Wire have corroborated these claims.Experts and officials attribute the proliferation of these operations to Maine’s marijuana legalization and lax immigration policies under the Biden administration, which have also limited deportations. Republican Maine State Rep. Austin Theriault criticized the state and federal government’s lack of action, calling for more stringent measures against these illegal activities.
These illegal grows, often run by Chinese nationals with legal U.S. residency or asylum claims, are suspected of being connected to Mexican cartels. Former DEA Special Operations Division head Derek Maltz highlighted the role of cartels in laundering money to acquire properties for these grows.
