Waco Reporter

A bipartisan group of legislators, led by Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX), has written a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, raising concerns about Chinese Communist Party (CCP) affiliated marijuana cultivation operations in the United States. The letter, which was also signed by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), Congressmen Jared Golden (D-ME), Senator Angus King (I-ME), and Congressman David Valadao (R-CA), along with 45 additional Members of Congress, highlights the increasing reports of CCP-affiliated marijuana farming operations and their connection to various criminal activities.

According to a leaked document from the Department of Homeland Security, these illegal marijuana farms are believed to be part of a larger network involving Asian transnational criminal organizations. The revenue generated by these operations is said to far exceed that of the legal marijuana market, indicating a significant underground economy.

"There is substantial evidence implicating the CCP in directly supporting illicit marijuana grow operations across the United States," stated the lawmakers in their letter. They further highlighted a specific example, stating that "270 suspected illicit marijuana operations in rural Maine generated an estimated $4.37 billion in revenue, far outpacing the $158 million from the state's legal marijuana market last year."

The legislators emphasized that this issue goes beyond just the cultivation and distribution of marijuana. They argued that allowing these illicit farms tied to the CCP poses a continued threat to national security, public safety, and human rights.

In light of these concerns, the bipartisan group of legislators is requesting a comprehensive briefing from the Department of Justice. They seek answers to several critical questions related to the extent of CCP involvement in these illegal operations and the actions being taken to combat them.

This inquiry reflects the growing recognition of the potential risks posed by CCP-linked illegal marijuana operations in the United States. As these operations continue to expand and engage in criminal activities such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, forced labor, and violent crime, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to address this issue effectively.

The full letter can be accessed here.