Federal authorities have charged seven Chinese nationals based in Massachusetts for their alleged involvement in a large-scale marijuana trafficking network operating throughout the U.S. Northeast. According to the FBI, the group cultivated and sold marijuana through a system of interconnected grow houses that generated millions of dollars in illegal revenue.
Law enforcement believes the group also smuggled other Chinese nationals into the country to work in the grow houses. These individuals were reportedly forced to work to pay off the debts they owed for being smuggled into the United States.
The U.S. Department of Justice stated that the profits from the marijuana operation were used to purchase luxury cars, high-end homes, jewelry, and other expensive items. During raids on various properties, federal agents recovered more than $470,000 in cash, over 240 pounds of processed marijuana, multiple Chinese passports, and a Rolex watch.
The accused individuals include Jianxiong Chen (39), Yuxiong Wu (36), Dinghui Li (38), Dechao Ma (35), Peng Lian Zhu (35), Hongbin Wu (35), and Yanrong Zhu (47). Six suspects were taken into custody this week, while one remains at large.
All defendants face a charge of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess marijuana with intent to distribute. Some of them are also facing additional charges such as human smuggling and money laundering.
A house in Braintree, Massachusetts, reportedly served as the headquarters for the drug operation. During a search last year, agents found more than $270,000 in cash on-site. Authorities also linked the group to financial dealings with individuals in New York, involving large amounts of untraceable cash.
The arrests are part of Operation Take Back America, a federal initiative targeting illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
