Lawton, OK – The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) has shut down another illegal marijuana operation in southern Oklahoma, seizing 6,703 marijuana plants in what authorities are calling one of the largest busts this month. The operation, located in Marietta, was operating without the necessary licenses required by state law, further intensifying the ongoing crackdown on unregistered cannabis farms in the state.
According to Mark Woodward, spokesperson for the OBN, the operation lacked the appropriate registration with both the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), which are required for legally growing marijuana in the state. Woodward noted that while many marijuana operations are complying with state regulations, a significant number continue to evade the licensing system, contributing to a growing problem of illegal cultivation.
“This is one of dozens of operations we’ve conducted just this fall alone,” Woodward said. “These are places growing marijuana without proper OBN registration, and often, without an OMMA license. It’s a serious issue that we’re working to address.”
In addition to the 6,703 plants, OBN agents also seized 57 pounds of processed marijuana. The recent bust is part of a broader effort by state authorities to crack down on illegal marijuana farms that contribute to the black market, as well as fraudulent or unauthorized cultivation.
Since the start of the fall season, the OBN has shut down nearly 7,000 illegal marijuana farms, many of which were linked to black market distribution outside of Oklahoma. The agency has also made nearly 400 arrests and confiscated over 2 million marijuana plants in its efforts to curb illegal production.
Woodward emphasized that the illicit farms are not only a violation of state law but also pose significant risks to public safety, as they often involve criminal organizations with connections to interstate trafficking. He also highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in regulating a rapidly growing marijuana industry in the state.
While Oklahoma’s legal marijuana market has expanded significantly since the state’s legalization of medical marijuana in 2018, authorities say illegal operations continue to undermine the regulated industry. Woodward stressed that the OBN remains committed to identifying and dismantling illegal grow operations in the state.
“The vast majority of growers are doing things the right way, but there are still far too many out there breaking the law,” Woodward said. “We are committed to ensuring that those who operate outside the law are held accountable.”
As part of the ongoing investigation, the OBN continues to urge the public to report any suspicious activity related to illegal marijuana cultivation or distribution. With marijuana now a billion-dollar industry in Oklahoma, authorities are focused on ensuring that licensed businesses and the legal market continue to thrive, while cracking down on those that seek to bypass the system.
