NOWATA, Okla. — Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics agents seized more than 49,000 marijuana plants and detained seven individuals during a large-scale enforcement operation targeting an alleged illegal marijuana cultivation operation in Nowata County.

On June 10, 2026, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Marijuana Enforcement Teams (MET) executed a search warrant at Anima Growing LLC, located on NS 406 Road near Nowata.

According to OBN, the warrant was part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of illegal marijuana cultivation, fraudulently obtaining state marijuana registrations through a "straw ownership" scheme, and the diversion of marijuana into the black market.

During the search, agents seized 49,257 marijuana plants.

Authorities also reported that seven individuals were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the operation.

Additional arrests are expected as investigators continue reviewing evidence gathered during the search.

Several agencies assisted with the operation, including the Nowata County Sheriff's Office, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the office of Nowata County Commissioner Paul Crupp.

The Marijuana Enforcement Teams were established by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics in 2021 to investigate domestic and transnational criminal organizations involved in illegal marijuana trafficking, money laundering and fraud connected to Oklahoma's medical marijuana industry.

According to OBN, the state had approximately 8,400 licensed marijuana grow operations at its peak in 2022. Today, that number has declined to roughly 1,350 active registered grows.

Since its creation, OBN's Marijuana Enforcement Teams have seized more than 2.4 million illegal marijuana plants, over 295,000 pounds of processed marijuana and made more than 400 arrests statewide.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding suspected drug trafficking or human trafficking activity may anonymously contact the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics tip line at 800-522-8031.