Chinese National Accused of Growing 600 Illegal Pot Plants in Maine Says She ‘Likes The Smell’

Over the last several years, the number of illegal marijuana grows that have been busted in Maine has skyrocketed. In addition, there has been a trend of Chinese Nationals being involved in many of these illegal grows.

One of the counties that has experienced the largest problem with this is Somerset, and now, it has happened again. According to an article published by WGME 13, Jiamin Liao, a 29-year-old Chinese National, has been accused by Maine officials of illegally growing more than 600 marijuana plants in Somerset County.

The news station reports that police and Maine DEA agents seized more than 600 plants at multiple properties that Liao owns in Somerset County. Those properties are located in both Madison and Norridgewock.

Liao was arrested on multiple charges back on August 27th after a raid produced more than 600 illegally grown plants and more than 20 pound of processed and packaged marijuana.

WGME says that while Liao was being interviewed, which was also recorded for evidence, she allegedly told authorities that she was growing the plants because she 'likes the smell' and even made reference to the marijuana plants being 'her babies'.

Liao’s charges from the raid stem from an ongoing crackdown by the federal government on illegal marijuana grows which are frequently found in houses around the state of Maine. WGME said that money from these big illegal grow houses are likely connected to Chinese organized crime.

Since her arrest, Liao has been released on a bail of $5,000. Her case is currently pending in Somerset County and we will continue to keep this story updated as more information becomes available.