Beckham County, OK — A large illegal marijuana grow operation north of Interstate 40 between Elk City and Sayre was shut down last week following a joint effort between the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office.
Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning said the operation stemmed from complaints by nearby residents about suspicious and nuisance activity at the property. During the investigation, authorities determined the grow house was operating illegally.
OBN agents executed a search warrant on the property, utilizing a tactical team for the raid. The Beckham County Sheriff’s Office assisted by securing the perimeter and providing support during entry.
“We assisted with the front going in, then handled rear coverage and perimeter,” Manning said.
Authorities seized approximately 7,500 marijuana plants from the site.
During the operation, one individual fled on foot, prompting a pursuit by deputies. The suspect was eventually located hiding underneath a neighboring home and taken into custody with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations agents.
Other individuals at the location, identified as Chinese nationals who were legally in the United States, were released. According to Manning, they appeared to be in the process of leaving the property at the time of the raid.
Following the operation, deputies also checked on animals left at the property, including dogs and chickens, amid concerns about extreme heat and lack of care. Authorities later confirmed individuals had returned to tend to the animals.
Manning noted the increasing presence of dangerous, illegal pesticides at grow sites. In this case, agents discovered strong chemicals labeled in Chinese, believed to have been smuggled into the country.
“These pesticides are extremely dangerous to people and animals,” Manning said. “They’re often used carelessly inside grow houses, which can contaminate the plants and pose serious health risks.”
Due to the hazardous materials, agents were required to take special precautions while removing and destroying the marijuana plants.
Beckham County District 3 Commissioner Tate Finnell and his crew assisted in the cleanup, providing equipment and manpower to remove and destroy the plants.
“With that many plants, it takes a lot of resources to get them cut down and properly disposed of,” Manning said. “We appreciate the commissioner’s help.”
The seized marijuana was transported to a secure, undisclosed location for destruction.
Manning praised the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics for their coordination and execution of the operation, adding that the removal of the illegal grow operation addressed ongoing concerns from area residents.
“It got rid of a problem grow house in the county,” he said. “We appreciate their work on it.”
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