Hiawen Huang, Yim Hung Yuen, and six other Chinese nationals were indicted on felony charges following a major investigation that uncovered large-scale illegal marijuana grow operations in rural South Georgia. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia announced the indictment, with all eight defendants charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute over 1,000 marijuana plants.
The investigation revealed two large indoor marijuana growing facilities hidden on tracts of land in Pierce and Brantley counties, where the operation took place. The indictment includes charges of drug possession and distribution, as well as firearm possession in connection with the drug trafficking operation.
In addition to the main charges, Shu, Ma, Bing, and Deng face charges of possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Convictions on these charges carry mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years in prison, potentially up to life, and fines of up to $10 million.
The indictment also highlights that Hiawen Huang and Yim Hung Yuen are believed to have left the United States. The authorities are continuing their investigation into their whereabouts.