EAST TAWAS — Iosco County Prosecuting Attorney James A. Bacarella has announced charges against four Chinese nationals in connection with an illegal marijuana grow operation in Alabaster Township, Iosco County.
According to a statement from Bacarella’s office, the individuals are accused of possessing more than 200 marijuana plants with intent to deliver, as well as operating a drug manufacturing facility.
On May 29, 2025, Michigan State Police Troopers from the Marijuana and Tobacco Investigations Section executed a search warrant at a warehouse in Alabaster Township. Inside, they discovered 5,057 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, ranging from clones to fully mature, flowering plants. The estimated street value of the plants exceeds $5 million.
A follow-up investigation led law enforcement to an apartment at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, where additional evidence was uncovered linking four individuals to the operation.
Soon after, a vehicle connected to the case was stopped by state troopers while traveling southbound on U.S. 23 in Iosco County. Inside were Meiqing Chen, Zhenzhong Nei, Wenying Wu, and Changning Zhen. A GPS device found in the vehicle suggested the group may have been attempting to flee to New York State.
Authorities believe the grow operation is part of a larger organized crime network with connections to multiple states and China.
Meiqing Chen, Wenying Wu, and Changning Zhen have all pleaded not guilty. Zhenzhong Nei is currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and has not yet been arraigned.
Possession of more than 200 marijuana plants with intent to deliver carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Operating a drug manufacturing facility is punishable by up to 2 years in prison. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The Iosco County Prosecutor’s Office expressed its gratitude to the Michigan State Police’s Marijuana and Tobacco Investigations Section and other supporting agencies for their assistance in the investigation.
