Four Chinese Nationals Charged in Multimillion-Dollar Illegal Marijuana Operation in Iosco County, Michigan

Four Chinese Nationals Charged in Multimillion-Dollar Illegal Marijuana Operation in Iosco County, Michigan

Iosco County, MI – In a significant development with far-reaching implications for drug enforcement in Michigan, Iosco County Prosecuting Attorney James A. Bacarella has formally charged four Chinese nationals in connection with a massive illegal marijuana cultivation operation uncovered in Alabaster Township. The charges include possession with intent to deliver 200 or more marijuana plants and maintaining a drug manufacturing facility—serious felonies under Michigan law that carry potential sentences of up to 15 years and 2 years in prison, respectively.

The four defendants—Meiqing Chen, Zhenhong Nei, Wenying Wu, and Changning Zhen—were all reportedly in the United States legally at the time of the alleged offenses. Authorities emphasize that each of the individuals is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Massive Grow Operation Uncovered in Alabaster Township

The investigation came to a head on May 29, 2025, when Troopers from the Marijuana and Tobacco Investigations Section of the Michigan State Police executed a search warrant at a warehouse in Alabaster Township, Iosco County. What they discovered inside stunned even seasoned investigators: a highly sophisticated, large-scale marijuana cultivation site housing a staggering 5,057 marijuana plants in various stages of development, from newly rooted clones to fully mature flowering plants.

The estimated street value of the seized marijuana exceeds $5 million, making this one of the largest illegal grow operations discovered in northern Michigan in recent years. The facility, authorities noted, was carefully concealed and equipped with specialized lighting, ventilation, and irrigation systems—indicating a professional, well-funded setup likely linked to a broader network.

Further Investigation and Arrests

Following the raid, the investigation quickly expanded. Evidence collected from the warehouse led law enforcement officers to an apartment complex located on the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. There, additional materials were discovered that tied the four suspects directly to the grow operation, strengthening the case for their arrest and prosecution.

Shortly thereafter, a Michigan State Police trooper spotted a vehicle associated with the operation traveling southbound on U.S. 23 in Iosco County. A traffic stop was initiated, and Meiqing Chen, Zhenhong Nei, Wenying Wu, and Changning Zhen were all found inside the vehicle. Notably, a GPS device in the vehicle was actively routing the occupants toward an address in New York State, leading investigators to suspect that the individuals were attempting to flee the area and evade arrest.

International and Multi-State Implications

Perhaps most troubling to authorities is the possibility that this illegal grow site is part of a larger organized crime operation with international connections, including possible ties to criminal enterprises based in China and extending across multiple U.S. states. Law enforcement agencies at the state, federal, and international levels are now collaborating to determine the full extent of the operation and whether additional suspects or sites are involved.

Legal Proceedings Underway

• Meiqing Chen, Wenying Wu, and Changning Zhen have entered pleas of not guilty to the charges brought against them.

• Zhenhong Nei, meanwhile, has been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and has not yet been arraigned on his charges.

Prosecuting Attorney Bacarella stated, “This case is a stark reminder that Michigan is not immune to the reach of organized crime. The size and complexity of this operation, along with its apparent multi-state and international dimensions, make this a priority case for our office and partner agencies.”

Community Reaction and Broader Implications

The bust has drawn attention and concern from residents of Iosco County and surrounding areas. Riverfront towns and small rural communities have increasingly found themselves on the front lines of large-scale drug production as criminal organizations exploit remote locations to conceal operations.

While Michigan voters legalized the regulated production and sale of marijuana, operations such as this fall far outside the bounds of the law, lacking proper licensing, oversight, and taxation. Illegal grows like the one uncovered in Alabaster Township not only undermine the legal cannabis industry but also pose fire, environmental, and public safety risks.

Ongoing Investigation

The Michigan State Police and federal authorities continue to investigate, with efforts underway to trace the flow of funds, equipment, and personnel connected to the illegal grow site. Additional charges and arrests may follow as evidence is processed and cross-jurisdictional leads are pursued.

This case represents a pivotal moment in Michigan’s ongoing effort to combat illegal marijuana cultivation and hold accountable those involved in exploiting the state’s cannabis laws for illicit profit.

Authorities urge anyone with information related to this case or other suspected illegal grow operations to contact the Michigan State Police or the Iosco County Sheriff’s Office.