Federal prosecutors have charged four individuals accused of operating multiple illegal cannabis cultivation sites across the Las Vegas Valley, according to information obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators.
The defendants, identified as Jiejiao Zhang, Changtian Mai, Hoi Man Mak, and Jianwen Mai, are each facing a count of conspiracy to produce a controlled substance in a restricted zone. Court records indicate that one of the alleged grow sites was located within 1,000 feet of a public playground, a factor that elevated the severity of the charge.
The investigation dates back to May 2025, when Las Vegas law enforcement officers detained Mak and another individual following a search at a residence near Tenaya Way and Craig Road. Authorities described the house as having been entirely repurposed into an unlawful indoor cultivation operation. During the search, officers seized 1,267 cannabis plants.
Later that month, law enforcement officers executed a warrant at a second property located near Tenaya Way and Alexander Road. There, they reported discovering another large-scale grow setup, with 1,264 cannabis plants. Officials noted that the property also falls within 1,000 feet of a park, further supporting the “protected area” designation referenced in the charges.
Property records from Clark County indicate that Changtian Mai owns both of those homes. Investigators also linked him to a third location through utility payments, noting he had covered an energy bill for the residence.
Federal agents raided that third property in February. The home, near Buffalo Drive and Spring Mountain Road, contained more than 400 cannabis plants, according to documents. Several individuals were detained during the operation, and authorities reported that one person tried to escape by climbing over a perimeter wall.
Officers also discovered significant quantities of fertilizer and other materials typically used in indoor growing operations.
The case expanded further on March 18, when authorities searched a fourth residence near Buffalo Drive and Russell Road. Inside, agents encountered the four defendants along with equipment used for cannabis cultivation.
Court filings indicated that all four suspects are in federal custody. Details regarding their initial court appearances had not yet been confirmed.
Authorities did not confirm whether the recent arrests are connected to a separate investigation carried out in February at another suspected grow house near Flamingo Road and Fort Apache Road. That case involved cooperation between local police and federal agencies, including the DEA and FBI.
These arrests highlight the lengths to which black market marijuana operators will go to sustain their operations and make it harder for licensed companies like Curaleaf Holdings Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) to entrench themselves in the jurisdictions where they operate under state law.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN
