Robert J. "Bob" Troester U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
A federal indictment unsealed on Apr. 27 charges 51 defendants with participating in a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute black-market marijuana from Oklahoma to several other states, according to U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
The case highlights concerns about criminal organizations using state-licensed operations as cover for illegal activities that reach beyond Oklahoma’s borders. The investigation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative, which targets criminal cartels and transnational organizations operating within the United States.
Authorities executed arrest warrants for individuals from Oklahoma, Texas, New York, North Carolina, Florida, Michigan, Kansas, Mississippi, and California. Twenty-eight suspects have been arrested while twenty-three remain fugitives. Law enforcement also carried out searches at multiple locations in Oklahoma and other states, seizing approximately 61,000 marijuana plants and over half a ton of processed marijuana. Thirteen non-citizens not named in the indictment were turned over to immigration officials.
“This case underscores the threat posed by nationwide criminal organizations that exploit Oklahoma’s marijuana laws to produce and distribute large quantities of black-market marijuana across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Working alongside our federal, state, and local partners, my office remains committed to taking down these organizations and those who run them.”
Joseph B. Tucker of the Drug Enforcement Administration said: “This investigation targeted a criminal organization that was producing and trafficking large quantities of marijuana across state lines under the guise of a state-licensed operation.” Donnie Anderson from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics added: “These partnerships have resulted in a dramatic drop in illegal marijuana farms within our state.”
According to court documents cited by prosecutors, defendants allegedly coordinated efforts among grow owners, brokers who managed logistics between growers and distributors or customers across several states using cellular phones for communication. Proceeds were concealed through cash transport or business transactions designed to disguise their origin.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma advances public safety through enforcement of federal laws according to its official website. The office operates as part of the Department of Justice according to its official website, covering forty counties across western and central parts of Oklahoma according to its official website. It collaborates on community safety initiatives such as Project Safe Neighborhoods according to its official website.
The charges are allegations; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
