Oklahoma Authorities Seize More Than 17,500 Cannabis Plants

Authorities in Oklahoma have conducted a significant raid resulting in the seizure of over 17,500 illegal marijuana plants and 600 pounds of untraceable processed marijuana. This operation, spearheaded by the state attorney general’s office, marks a major effort to combat illicit drug activities in the region.

Raid Details

Location and Source: Acting on a tip from the Blaine County sheriff’s office, the raid targeted an illegal marijuana grow near Watonga, approximately 70 miles northwest of Oklahoma City.

Scope of Seizure: More than 17,500 untagged marijuana plants were confiscated during the operation, along with 600 pounds of processed marijuana that lacked traceable documentation.

Firearms Confiscation: Additionally, law enforcement seized four firearms believed to be associated with the illegal operation.

Operation Execution

Search Effort: Authorities conducted a thorough search encompassing over 100 hoop houses and other structures within a densely packed area, where the illegal plants were discovered.

Black Market Involvement: Officials stated that the seized plants were destined for the black market, highlighting concerns over illegal drug distribution networks.

Official Statements

Attorney General’s Response: State Attorney General Gentner Drummond emphasized the state’s stance against drug-related criminal activities, stating, “The drug cartels and crime syndicates are steadily getting the message that Oklahoma will not tolerate their nefarious activities.”

Continued Enforcement: Drummond affirmed that law enforcement efforts will persist to eliminate such illicit activities from the state.

Joint Operation

Collaborative Effort: The seizure was carried out as a joint operation involving the attorney general’s Organized Crime Task Force and the Blaine County sheriff’s office. Additional support was provided by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority and the Oklahoma City Police Department.

This raid underscores Oklahoma’s proactive measures to combat illegal drug cultivation and trafficking, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain public safety and enforce drug laws rigorously.