Authorities in New Mexico recently seized 170,000 pounds of illegal cannabis from two properties in Waterflow. Following the revocation of the grower’s license in August due to repeated violations, state and local agencies launched a coordinated effort to dismantle the operation and prevent further illegal production.
Coordinated Effort Between Agencies
The operation to address the illicit cannabis grow was led by the New Mexico Cannabis Control Division (CCD) and the New Mexico Organized Crime Commission. The crackdown began after officials discovered NNK Equities, an out-of-state company, had exceeded its permitted plant count, a significant violation that led to the revocation of its license.
“This is new ground for the state as to how do we regulate this and enforce it,” said Robert Hart, Director of the Organized Crime Commission. By examining the violations from both civil and criminal perspectives, Hart and his team were able to determine the best course of action for shutting down the operation. The team ultimately decided to use both civil penalties and criminal enforcement to address the scale of illegal activity.
Legal Maneuvers and Restraining Order
The CCD sought a temporary restraining order, which was granted on September 30, halting all cannabis production at the two properties. This action allowed law enforcement to legally eradicate the cannabis on site, signaling a clear message to other growers who may consider operating outside of New Mexico’s strict regulations.
Clay Bailey, Superintendent of the Regulation and Licensing Department, emphasized the broader impact of illegal cannabis operations, saying, “Illegal operators endanger the people in our state and compromise our legal cannabis industry.”
Massive Plant Seizure and Eradication
On October 16, roughly 50 personnel from the New Mexico State Police (NMSP), including members of the Uniform Bureau, Crime Suppression Bureau, and Special Investigations Unit, converged on the Waterflow properties. Evidence technicians from across the state assisted in the eradication, ensuring the operation was conducted thoroughly and efficiently.
The seizure of 170,000 pounds of cannabis at the two sites marks one of the largest crackdowns on illegal cannabis production in New Mexico to date. NMSP Chief Troy Weisler stated, “The organization involved showed a blatant disregard for the laws of this state, and we will prove that once this investigation is over.”
The decision to seize and destroy the plants was grounded in New Mexico’s law allowing law enforcement to act decisively in cases where illegal cannabis production poses a risk to the state’s legal market. “Collaboration was key during this recent operation targeting illicit cannabis production,” Weisler added. “We will continue to work with our partners to ensure those who undermine the legal cannabis market will face the full consequences of the law.”
Impact on New Mexico’s Cannabis Industry
The scale of this operation underscores the tension between legal and illegal cannabis markets in New Mexico. The state’s licensed cannabis industry is still relatively young, and regulators are taking significant measures to protect it from being compromised by unlicensed grows that skirt state regulations.
The presence of large, unlicensed grows like NNK Equities not only threatens the legal market but also raises safety concerns within the community. According to the CCD, illegal cannabis operations can create public safety hazards, lead to unfair competition, and reduce tax revenue that would otherwise support state-funded initiatives. By cracking down on such operations, New Mexico aims to maintain a fair and legal cannabis industry, ensuring that legitimate businesses can thrive.
Bailey reiterated the importance of enforcement, saying, “The Cannabis Control Division will continue to support law-abiding, responsible cannabis license holders and work alongside New Mexico State Police, the Organized Crime Commission, and our other law enforcement colleagues to identify and eliminate illegal cannabis operations in our state.”
Next Steps: Legal Proceedings Ahead
With the case still ongoing, law enforcement and regulatory agencies are preparing to forward their findings to the 11th Judicial District Attorney’s office. Prosecutors are expected to pursue charges for illegal cannabis cultivation, although details about the specific charges have yet to be released.
The CCD and other agencies involved have expressed confidence that the enforcement actions taken in Waterflow will deter other illegal growers, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a safe and well-regulated cannabis industry in New Mexico. Further charges and details surrounding the investigation will likely emerge as the case proceeds through the legal system.
