EP-106 Chinese Pot Grow
I remember first reading the story like it was yesterday. November 2017 dozens of Chinese nationals busted in a ring of illegal pot grows. Here in Washington state, which legalized recreational cannabis in 2012, the story was even more impactful. It wasn’t just a house or a series of houses in one community, but the illegal operation was numerous houses stretching across three counties. Metropolitan suburbs and rural communities were affected by this black market conspiracy.
I’ve heard of pot grow busts all my life in Washington state, this wasn’t new. What kept ringing in my head was the term “Chinese nationals.” What was a Chinese national? We don’t call illegal aliens from Central America and Mexico – Panamerican nationals. Why this distinction for these criminals? Furthermore, the news article came at a time where the national media was hopped up on Russian conspiracies like junkies at the methadone clinic. What would the headlines be if these were nefarious Russian nationals growing cannabis illegally in Washington State? Perhaps it would read: “Russian pot farm linked to Trump campaign finance committee.” lulz
The bottom line was Chinese citizens were organized, and growing cannabis illegally in my state. I was interested. I was intrigued. I had no idea at that moment just how pervasive and puzzling the problem really was. Yet, life happened. The hyperbole of the Trump Presidency happened. Covid happened.
Fast forward to November 2022: My interest in this story peaked again. Murder in Oklahoma, an illegal cannabis grow, and that term again – “Chinese Nationals.” After five years, the problem persists. Still media connections aren’t being made, and coordination of law enforcement seems lacking.
This is a podcast about the international crime syndicate nobody knows about: Chinese Nationals and Cannabis in the United States.
Only Some of the Found Examples
2/21/15 – Sophisticated Grow
09/22/16 – Not Forced Labor
06/05/17 – Nine Houses
06/2017 – Trafficking
09/21/17 – Clandestine Group
11/29/17 – Mysterious Financing
11/28/17 – All Chinese Nationals
04/04/18 – Residential Seizure
05/18/18 – Jersey Warehouse
05/29/18 – Foreign Cartels
05/31/18 – Annette Op Ed Piece
06/21/18 – Much Bigger, More Complicated
11/21/22 – Hostage Crisis