OKLAHOMA CITY (May 22, 2024) – Acting on a tip from the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office, agents from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) conducted a raid on May 21 at an illegal marijuana grow operation west of Watonga. The operation resulted in the confiscation of over 17,500 untagged marijuana plants and 600 pounds of untraceable, processed marijuana. This joint effort involved the OAG’s Organized Crime Task Force, the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), and the Oklahoma City Police Department.
Investigators allege that the plants were intended for the black market. Attorney General Gentner Drummond emphasized that this bust demonstrates how local law enforcement agencies are collaborating to combat illegal marijuana grows proliferating in Oklahoma since medical marijuana was legalized.
“The drug cartels and crime syndicates are steadily getting the message that Oklahoma will not tolerate their nefarious activities,” Drummond stated. “We want them out of our state and out of our lives. Law enforcement will continue to crack down and do what needs to be done to eliminate this pestilence.”
The Organized Crime Task Force worked closely with the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office during this operation. Blaine County Sheriff Travis Daugherty expressed his gratitude to all participants, including the Blaine County Commissioners for assisting in removing the plants for destruction.
“I want to send a clear message that our vigilance will continue,” Daugherty said. “We have established a partnership with a dedicated team that will relentlessly pursue those involved in illegal activities. If you are engaged in such activities, it is in your best interest to leave Blaine County or be prepared to face the consequences enforced by the Department of Corrections.”
OMMA Executive Director Adria Berry highlighted her pride in these collaborative efforts.
“We're committed to advancing our mission by working with fellow agencies like the AG's office. Working together has allowed OMMA to more effectively identify and remove bad actors to safeguard the integrity of the state's medical marijuana program,” she remarked.
Additionally, four firearms were seized during the bust.
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