Four Chinese nationals have been arrested in Pierce County in connection with what officials are calling the largest marijuana operation in Pierce County history.
Wednesday, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Pierce County Sheriff Ramsey Bennett announced the seizure of 11,153 marijuana plants with an estimated street value of $22.3 million following an investigation into an alleged food manufacturing facility located in Pierce County. Authorities had initially thought that the facility was processing food; however, when they arrived, they quickly discovered that it wasn’t food that was being manufactured.
The following individuals were arrested:
Zhu Sheng Bing of a Brooklyn, NY, address – Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute and Purchase, Possession, Manufacture, Distribution, or Sale of Marijuana
Chenhui Shu of a Brooklyn, NY, address — Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute and Purchase, Possession, Manufacture, Distribution, or Sale of Marijuana
Wei Sheng Deng of Offerman — Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute and Purchase, Possession, Manufacture, Distribution, or Sale of Marijuana
Jinpeng Ma of Offerman — Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute and Purchase, Possession, Manufacture, Distribution, or Sale of Marijuana
All were denied bond and remain in custody. Authorities say they will likely face additional trafficking charges once the seized marijuana is dried and weighed. At least one of the suspects is also facing immigration charges.
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