A cannabis grow of 170,000 pounds on two properties in Waterflow was eradicated last month, after the owner’s license was revoked in August because of numerous violations.
The Cannabis Control Division worked with the New Mexico Organized Crime Commission to come up with strategies to deal with NNK Equities, which appears to have an out-of-state owner, according to Organized Crime Commission Director Robert Hart.
“This is new ground for the state as to how do we regulate this and enforce it,” Hart said, adding he looked at the violations from both the civil and criminal standpoints to see what could be done.
At issue was NNK exceeded its allotted plant count at 23 Road 6940 and at 3658 U.S. Highway 64 in Waterflow, according to a news release from the New Mexico State Police.
“The organization involved showed a blatant disregard for the laws of this state and we will prove that once this investigation is over,” New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler said in a prepared statement.
The Cannabis Control Division sought and received a temporary restraining order on Sept. 30, and NNK was told to cease all cannabis production on both properties.
“Illegal operators endanger the people in our state and compromise our legal cannabis industry,” said Regulation and Licensing Department Superintendent Clay Bailey.
Hart stated that he looked into whether the grow could be seized and found that the law allowed for that, giving law enforcement the authority to destroy all cannabis at the properties.
“Collaboration was key during this recent operation targeting illicit cannabis production,” Weisler said. “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.”
About 50 personnel from the NMSP Uniform Bureau, Crime Suppression Bureau, Special Investigations Unit, and evidence technicians from across the state were assigned Oct. 16 “to assist in the eradication of cannabis at both properties,” the release states.
“The Cannabis Control Division will continue to support law abiding, responsible cannabis license and work alongside New Mexico State Police, the Organized Crime Commission and all of our other law enforcement colleagues to identify and eliminate illegal cannabis operations in our state,” Bailey said.
Once completed, this case will be forwarded to the 11th Judicial District Attorney’s office, where charges for illegal cannabis grow will be filed, the news release stated.
