Oklahoma AG Sets Up Task Force to Curb Unlawful Cultivation

In an effort to clamp down on unlawful cultivation activities in Oklahoma, Attorney General Gentner Drummond has set up a specialized task force. This force, which is named the Organized Crime Task Force, has been envisioned as a supportive resource for residents to bring attention to potential illegal activities pertaining to operations that lack appropriate licensing.

In statements released by Drummond, an emphasis was placed on the broad role of the task force. While it includes targeting illegal growers, the team’s efforts extend beyond this. The officials have explained how this task force is designed to cooperate closely with other important bodies of the state, such as the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (OBN).

Additionally, other state agencies like the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority are part of this collaboration. A streamlined mechanism to investigate all crimes associated with unlawful cultivation operations has been set in motion, thanks to this united front against illegitimate practices.

Concerningly, the scope of these illegal operations extends beyond just unauthorized cultivation. Human trafficking and the distribution of perilous substances like fentanyl are among the related criminal activities that this task force aims to address. This focus highlights the broader societal impact of these unlawful enterprises and further justifies the force’s establishment.

House Bill 2095, an important legislation inked into law as of May, fortifies the operational capacity of this Organized Crime Task Force. This bill has endorsed the task force’s mandate by granting it the authority to enforce the medical marijuana laws in the state, in association with the aforementioned entities such as the OBN and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

The bill’s authors, Representative Jon Echols and Senator Lonnie Paxton, foresee the task force as a robust agency. Owing to the provisions of the bill, the Attorney General’s Office is now legally capable of subpoenaing documents, undertaking unannounced inspections on-site, and seizing or disposing of illicit products.

Moreover, with this legislative provision, the task force is equipped to broker collaborations with other state agencies. This further enables the state’s efforts in the fight against illegal operations. By taking on these extensive responsibilities, the force can target the issue at hand in a multi-pronged and effective manner.

The Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General is actively encouraging the participation of citizens in their mission. They have created a channel for residents to share any information they might have about suspected illegal cultivation operations. Citizen involvement is deemed instrumental in aiding the task force’s efforts.

Enabling a pathway for anonymous reporting, an email address (illegalgrow@oag.ok.gov) has also been established. This endeavor has been designed to ensure that useful tips can be provided without any risk of personal identification. As such, the Attorney General’s Office is ensuring that community members can make their contributions to this initiative safely and confidentially.