WAYCROSS, Ga. — Eight Chinese nationals face life in federal prison after the Department of Justice (DOJ) said they uncovered a “massive” marijuana farm “hidden in plain sight” in South Georgia.
The DOJ said an investigation found two large-scale marijuana growing facilities on two tracts of land in Pierce and Brantley Counties, Georgia.
Eight people, all Chinese nationals, are charged with major drug crimes, including possession with intent to distribute more than 1,000 marijuana plants, according to Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Conviction on those charges carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to life, along with fines of up to $10 million and at least five years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.
“This investigation alleges the discovery of a massive clandestine operation illegally growing marijuana on two locations hidden in plain sight,” Steinberg said. “Our exceptional law enforcement partners identified these illicit operations and are working to hold these defendants accountable.”
The DOJ gave the names of all eight people charged:
Hiawen Huang and Yim Hung Yuen are believed to have left the United States, the DOJ said. The remaining suspects have made their initial appearance hearings in U.S. Magistrate Court and await further court proceedings.
