MAINE, USA — Federal authorities have begun trying to seize some of the estimated 100 properties across rural Maine used for illegal marijuana growing operations tied to Chinese criminal networks.
The Maine U.S. Attorney's Office recently filed court paperwork seeking to seize properties in Corinna, Machias, Cornville, and China that have been busted.
"These illicit marijuana grows have had a detrimental effect on neighborhoods and entire communities, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will explore every possible criminal and civil mechanism to disrupt these criminal activities," Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Lizotte said in a statement. "Every property subjected to a state marijuana search warrant will be evaluated for civil action, based on the condition and equity in the property. As is typical in similar forfeiture cases, if the judge grants the request for forfeiture, the properties will be sold by the U.S. Marshal Service through its Asset Forfeiture Program."
The Asset Forfeiture Program was created in 1984 when Congress passed the Comprehensive Crime Control Act. Examples of assets that have been seized include real estate, commercial businesses, cash, financial instruments, vehicles, jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, vessels, and aircraft. Proceeds generated from asset sales are used to operate the program, compensate victims, and support law enforcement efforts.
