Report: Illegal Chinese grow operations causing havoc in rural areas, while law enforcement turns a blind eye
Rural Maine Overrun by Suspected Chinese Illegal Marijuana Grows, Law Enforcement Turns a Blind Eye
Rural Maine has fallen victim to approximately 270 suspected Chinese illegal marijuana grows, and the pleas for help from the affected communities seem to be falling on deaf ears, according to investigative reporter Jennie Taer from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
In August, the Department of Homeland Security issued a warning about these grow operations, which are believed to generate around $4.37 billion in revenue. This money can be used for further criminal activities or sent back to China, as reported exclusively by the DCNF.
The DCNF, along with The Maine Wire, visited numerous properties identified by DHS as suspected Chinese illegal marijuana grows.
An illegal Chinese marijuana grow is operating ACROSS THE STREET from a daycare in Maine.
This video from @JennieSTaer and the @DailyCaller highlights the sheer insanity of the situation. https://t.co/HTWKJaFWJg pic.twitter.com/FIDyy8cU8Y
— The Maine Wire (@TheMaineWire) November 22, 2023
“What we discovered is truly astonishing. These illegal operations are operating openly in rural Maine, and despite the communities alerting law enforcement, no action seems to be taken,” Taer revealed.
According to the DHS memo, the marijuana from these illicit operations is often smuggled through Interstate 95, providing a direct route to Florida and other parts of the country.
“The federal government issued the memo over the summer, and local police and sheriffs are aware of the issue. However, all these sites appear to still be active based on our observations,” Taer added.
Maine’s Chinese illegal marijuana grows are hurting the public.
Rural communities are facing blackouts, the operations often involve human trafficking, profits from the grows are often sent back to China- these are some of the reasons this is not a victimless crime. pic.twitter.com/EwefSwpAAB
— Jennie Taer (@JennieSTaer) November 24, 2023
In 2016, Maine legalized recreational marijuana, while medical use has been legal since 1999. In 2020, the sale of recreational marijuana officially became law.
According to the state’s Office of Cannabis Policy, Maine residents who are at least 21 years old can grow up to three mature plants and 12 immature plants for personal use.
“One of these illegal grows was located across the street from a daycare and emitted a strong marijuana odor,” Taer revealed. “They are straining the rural power supply, causing blackouts for their neighbors, and engaging in various activities that make the community feel very unsafe. However, they also feel forgotten because their pleas for law enforcement to take action are being ignored.”
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The post Law Enforcement Looking the Other Way as Illegal Chinese Grow Operations Causing Havok in Rural Areas: Report appeared first on The Western Journal.
Why is law enforcement turning a blind eye to the problem and what are the consequences of this inaction
Hina, and the environmental impact of these illegal operations is devastating. @JennieSTaer continues her investigation for @DailyCaller.https://t.co/kKdQ7Oo5r1
— The Maine Wire (@TheMaineWire) November 19, 2023
In addition to the monetary implications, these illegal marijuana grows are causing significant harm to the affected communities. Rural areas in Maine are experiencing blackouts, which are believed to be a direct result of the immense electricity usage required to sustain these operations. The environmental impact of the grows is also of great concern, as they often involve the illegal use of pesticides and other harmful substances.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that these operations frequently involve human trafficking. The profits generated from the illegal marijuana grows are often funneled back to China, further contributing to the criminal activities associated with these enterprises.
Despite the grave consequences and the efforts made by various stakeholders to bring attention to this issue, it appears that law enforcement is turning a blind eye to the problem. Local police and sheriffs have been made aware of the situation, yet the illegal grow operations continue to operate openly in rural Maine. The lack of action from law enforcement is disheartening, as it leaves the affected communities feeling vulnerable and abandoned.
The inability to address and eradicate these illegal marijuana grows not only exposes the inefficiency of law enforcement, but it also sends a dangerous message that illegal activities may go unchecked and unpunished. This may inadvertently encourage further criminal enterprises to take root and flourish in rural areas of Maine and beyond.
The federal government issued a memo in the summer alerting law enforcement agencies and urging them to take action against these illegal operations. However, it appears that the response has been insufficient. It is crucial for local, state, and federal authorities to take this issue seriously and collaborate effectively to put an end to the illicit Chinese marijuana grows in rural Maine.
The affected communities deserve to feel protected and to have their concerns acknowledged and addressed. By allowing these illegal operations to continue unchecked, not only are we jeopardizing the safety and well-being of the people in rural Maine, but we are also permitting the perpetuation of criminal activities and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
It is time for law enforcement to prioritize the safety and security of the affected communities and to take decisive action against these suspected Chinese illegal marijuana grows. By doing so, we can pave the way for a safer and more secure future for rural Maine and send a clear message that criminal activities will not be tolerated or overlooked.
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