In a recent crackdown, the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office arrested three individuals from New York for cultivating and trafficking drugs in Skowhegan.
The raid on a Waterville Road residence uncovered a significant cannabis growing operation, resulting in the seizure of 4,760 marijuana plants, over $7,000 in suspected illicit drug proceeds, a 2022 Toyota Tacoma truck, and drug-related items.
The arrested individuals, Yao Bin Cheng (61), Ying Xia Liao (59), and Xi Qiang Zhao (56), all from Brooklyn, New York, face charges of drug trafficking and cultivating marijuana. They are currently held at the Somerset County Jail in East Madison on $10,000 cash bail each, with an initial court appearance scheduled for June 5.
The operation involved collaboration between the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, Waterville Police Department detectives, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Somerset and Kennebec County District Attorney’s offices, the U.S. Attorney’s office, and investigators from the Office of Cannabis Policy.
The crackdown on the illegal marijuana operation in Skowhegan is a significant step towards curbing illicit drug activities.
The joint efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, demonstrate a commitment to maintaining public safety and upholding the law.
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The arrests of three individuals involved in drug trafficking and cultivation highlight the authorities’ determination to address such criminal activities. This operation serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat illegal cannabis operations in Maine, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities.
