PIERCE COUNTY, Ga. – Eight Chinese nationals were arrested following the discovery of two “massive” illegal indoor marijuana grow operations in Pierce and Brantley counties.
According to a federal indictment, the eight defendants worked together to distribute tons of marijuana.
Federal investigators estimated that the operation existed between July 1, 2023, up to about Feb. 23, 2024.
The Brantley County property was roughly 27 acres and located at 2804 Highway 110E.
The other property was in Pierce County and stretched across 50 acres near the Patterson Milling Company and U.S. Highway 84.
Some of those facing charges were found with guns.
“This investigation alleges the discovery of a massive clandestine operation illegally growing marijuana on two locations hidden in plain sight,” said U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg. “Our exceptional law enforcement partners identified these illicit operations and are working to hold these defendants accountable.”
The State Attorney’s Office said all eight Chinese nationals are charged with conspiracy to process with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 1,000 marijuana plants.
The people accused in the incident are listed as follows:
Hiawen Huang, 54
Yim Hung Yuen, 61
Chen Hui Shu, 35
Jen Peng Ma, 34
Zhu Sheng Bing, 64
Wei Sheng Deng, 42
Lecai Huang, 67
Zhi Yong Ma, 52
They face a minimum of 10 years in prison and up to $10 million in fines, and at least five years of supervised release.
Shu, Ma, Bing, and Deng also face an additional charge of possession of a firearm. Lecai Huang and Ma are charged with a separate charge of possession of firearms.
Federal agents working on the case believe Hiawen Huang and Hung Yuen left the United States.
H/T: www.news4jax.com
