Checotah, OK – A large-scale marijuana grow operation in Checotah has been shut down after the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics’ Marijuana Enforcement Teams (MET) executed a search warrant Monday, uncovering thousands of plants and evidence of black market activity.
Investigation Targets Fraudulent Licensing
According to the OBN, the search was carried out at OTOP & OTOC Group, LLC on July 21 as part of an ongoing investigation into fraudulent licensing practices and illicit marijuana trafficking.
Authorities allege the business was operating under an OBN registration obtained through a “straw ownership” scheme, a tactic often used to conceal the actual owners of illegal grow operations.
During the bust, agents seized 3,761 marijuana plants, 1,183 pounds of processed marijuana, and hundreds of vape cartridges along with other marijuana products. Arrests are pending as the investigation continues as reported by Newson6.
Multi-Agency Effort
The operation was supported by the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office, District 25 Task Force, the Office of Inspector General, and the county commissioners’ offices in McIntosh and Okmulgee counties.
State Rep. Tim Turner, who represents House District 15, commended OBN for the enforcement action.
“Director Donnie Anderson has made it his mission to ensure Oklahoma is not a top 10 state for black market marijuana, and that mission is making a real impact,” Turner said. “Every time one of these illegal operations is shut down, we take another step toward protecting our communities and controlling black market marijuana sales.”
Black Market Crackdown Making Progress
Since 2021, OBN has shut down more than 6,000 illegal marijuana farms across the state through enforcement or administrative measures. At the end of 2022, Oklahoma had roughly 8,400 active marijuana grow licenses, a number that has since dropped to about 2,100 as the agency intensifies its oversight.
Community Reporting Encouraged
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Citizens can anonymously report suspected drug or human trafficking by calling the OBN tip line at 800-522-8031.
What do you think about Oklahoma’s aggressive crackdown on illegal marijuana grows? Should the state tighten regulations even further? Share your thoughts with us.
