Yao Bin Cheng, Xi Qiang Zhao, Ying Xia Liao, All of NYC, Arrested For Massive Central Maine Grow Operation

Almost 24 illegal marijuana operations have been busted here in Maine in recent months, though state officials speculate the number still in operation could be in the hundreds.

According to an article published by The Kennebec Journal, officials say that even though they've busted a whopping two dozen illegal grows in the last couple of months, they believe the actual number of illegal grows still in operation in Maine is closer to 400.

The KJ is reporting that another substantial and illegal growing operation was just busted in Skowhegan. The newspaper says that several people, all from New York City, have been arrested and charged with the operation that was busted last Friday.

Deputies say that they confiscated nearly 5,000 plants and that this particular bust has been one of the largest so far. The plants were all in different stages of growth when they were seized and police also found thousands of dollars in illegal revenue.

The Kennebec Journal is reporting that Ying Xia Liao, 54; Xi Qiang Zhao, 56; and Yao Bin Cheng, 41, all from New York City were arrested and charged with illegal marijuana cultivation and trafficking in scheduled drugs, both charges are felonies in the state of Maine.

Police say it appeared as though the suspects had been living at the Skowhegan residence though the living quarters were 'sparse' according to Sheriff Lancaster. Additionally, police say it appeared the property was riddled with black mold, among other code violations.

Assisting the Somerset County Sheriff's Office with the bust included agents from the Department of Homeland Security and Drug Enforcement Agency. The KJ reported that Sheriff Lancaster said that the investigation into the Skowhegan residence was also assisted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy and the Somerset and Kennebec County District Attorney’s Offices.