Five Arrested, 11,269 Illegal Marijuana Plants Seized in Ponca City Bust

On April 9, a significant marijuana grow operation was dismantled in Ponca City, Oklahoma, resulting in the seizure of 11,269 illegal plants and 477 pounds of processed marijuana. The operation, which lacked necessary licensing from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, was raided by a collaboration of various law enforcement agencies, including the Attorney General's Organized Crime Task Force and the FBI. Five individuals were arrested and charged with aggravated manufacturing of marijuana and trafficking a controlled substance, with one suspect reportedly found in attire resembling that of the People's Liberation Army of China. Attorney General Gentner Drummond emphasized that the facility showed no signs of legitimacy and the marijuana was likely destined for the black market. This operation forms part of a broader crackdown on illegal marijuana activities across the state. All individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty.