WAYCROSS, Ga. — Eight suspects were indicted after investigators said they found a massive indoor marijuana growing operation in south Georgia.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
According to the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office, during the investigation, officials discovered two large-scale indoor marijuana growing facilities on two tracts of land in Pierce and Brantley Counties.
“This investigation alleges the discovery of a massive clandestine operation illegally growing marijuana in two locations hidden in plain sight,” said U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg.
TRENDING STORIES:
The following suspects, all considered Chinese nationals by the DA’s office, were indicted:
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; and,Zhi Yong Ma, 52.
All eight suspects were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute and possession with intent to distribute over 1,000 marijuana plants.
Those charges carry a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to life, fines of up to $10 million and at least five years of supervised release upon time served.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
In addition to the conspiracy and drug possession charges, Shu, Ma, Bing, and Deng are charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Lecai Huang and Ma are charged with a separate count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Officials believe Hiawen Huang and Yim Hung Yuen have left the U.S.
The remaining suspects made their first appearance hearings in U.S. Magistrate Court and await further court proceedings.
©2024 Cox Media Group
Officials believe two of the suspects have left the U.S. Read More
