“Illegal marijuana growers are responsible for a alarming influx in organized crime to our communities, especially from Mexican drug cartels.
By Carmen Forman, Oklahoma Voice
Oklahoma’s Attorney General is asking citizens to call a new anonymous tip line to report suspected illegal marijuana grows as part of the efforts to crackdown on illicit drug activities.
The tipline is part of a new taskforce created by Attorney General Gentner drummond (R) to combat illegal marijuana growers across the state.
Drummond announced Wednesday the formation of an Organized Crime Task Force that will work in conjunction with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control and Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, to shut down illegal grows. According to a press release, the task force will also investigate any other illegal activity related to the illicit grows, including human trafficking and fentanyl distribution.
Drummond stated that illegal marijuana grows were responsible for the alarming influx into our communities of organized crime, especially from Mexican drug cartels. This task force will help me eliminate these illegal operators.
The new Organized Crime Task Force was created to combat illegal marijuana operations in Oklahoma. This task force will be a vital component in ensuring public security. I have made it my priority to eliminate these illegal operators. https://t.co/Vyp0NDBMLD
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner drummond (@Okla_OAG 20 September 2023
Oklahoma has seen an increase in illegal cannabis plants since the passing of a state referendum to legalize medical marijuana. Drummond promised on the campaign trail that he would improve the enforcement of Oklahoma’s medical marijuana laws, and put an end to the black market cannabis industry.
According to Phil Bacharach of Drummond, the task force includes 11 agents, four prosecutors, and former U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officers, as well as a former U.S. Marshal and former U.S. Navy Seal.
Bacharach stated that the task force was in place since Drummond’s election, but it is close to being fully staff.
The new Law, which takes effect on November 1, will give Drummond’s office greater authority to enforce state medical marijuana laws. This includes conducting unannounced visits to grow operations and seizing and disposing of illegal drugs.
This article was originally published by Oklahoma Voice.
A group funded by alcohol and tobacco companies is pushing the federal government to issue marijuana tax stamps in order to combat the illicit market
Photo by Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
The article Oklahoma Attorney general launches Marijuana task force and a Tipline to Report Illegal Cultivation first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
