Police in Maine, along with the FBI, are intensifying efforts to dismantle illegal marijuana grows across the state. One notable operation was discovered just 950 feet from a middle school in Mexico, Maine, and directly across from a daycare, highlighting the dangerous proximity of these illegal activities to sensitive locations. The authorities employed advanced surveillance techniques, including a tracking device on a minivan and a pole-mounted camera, to gather evidence. Their investigation revealed a significant spike in the power bill at the suspect property, coupled with suspicious activity such as multiple trips to hardware stores for propane tanks and alleged movements of drug money to a casino in New York. A search warrant executed in June uncovered nearly 500 marijuana plants, leading to charges against at least two individuals with connections to Chinese crime syndicates.

This crackdown is part of a broader effort to address the proliferation of illegal marijuana cultivation linked to organised crime, with authorities identifying up to 270 similar operations in Maine alone. These illegal grows are not just a local issue but part of a nationwide trend, as federal officials continue to investigate and dismantle such operations across various states.

Source: WGME