Illicit Marijuana Grow Operation Busted in Rural Maine

Authorities in rural Maine have uncovered a sophisticated illicit marijuana grow operation, leading to the seizure of nearly 40 pounds of processed marijuana. The home, located in Passadumkeag, was flagged by law enforcement due to its unusually high electricity consumption, cardboard-covered windows, and distinct odor of marijuana.

Xisen Guo, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from China, has been accused of running the illegal operation out of the home. Guo is the first person to be charged federally in such a case in Maine and is currently being held without bail on federal drug charges.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating international criminal organizations that are exploiting state laws legalizing cannabis to produce marijuana for the illicit market. Federal law enforcement officials estimate there are about 100 illicit grow operations in Maine alone, with approximately 40 search warrants issued since June.

Authorities are working together at both the federal and local levels to crack down on these illegal operations. The state of Maine requires growers to be licensed, and Guo was found to be operating without the necessary permits.

The trend of foreign nationals exploiting state marijuana laws for illegal operations has been ongoing for several years. Law enforcement officials are determined to dismantle these operations and track down those responsible for directing them.

As investigations continue, law enforcement officials are urging a strong and sustained effort at the federal, state, and local levels to shut down these illicit grow operations and prevent further exploitation of state marijuana laws for illegal profit.