In a significant development for local law enforcement, a probable cause affidavit filed at the Hughes County Courthouse details a series of events leading to the arrest of Qiu Ming Chi, owner of A&T Green Farm, LLC, a marijuana manufacturing business based in Atwood, Oklahoma. The affidavit, filed by Brian Bagwell, an experienced agent with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, chronicles a series of interdiction stops and investigations that have uncovered substantial evidence of illegal activities linked to Chi and his business.

The case began with a traffic stop in Carroll County, Georgia, on February 9, 2023. Deputy Brad Garmon of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. Upon approaching the vehicle, Deputy Garmon detected a strong odor of raw marijuana. The driver, identified as Qiu Ming Chi through his Oklahoma driver’s license, claimed to be traveling for work and denied having any marijuana in the vehicle. However, a K-9 unit deployed for a free air sniff indicated the presence of narcotics, leading to a search of the vehicle. Authorities discovered $255,090 in U.S. currency hidden in heat-sealed bundles and a black backpack.

Further investigation revealed Chi’s involvement in the marijuana business, with an expired Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Commercial Transporter License and connections to A&T Green Farm, LLC, located in Seminole County, Oklahoma. The case took another turn when Deputy Zach Gossage of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office contacted Agent Bagwell on June 28, 2023, about another traffic stop involving Chi. During this stop, Deputy Chad Sheriff again detected the odor of marijuana and found bundles of U.S. currency totaling $125,796. Chi and his companion, identified as Stephen Ignacio Arellano, were arrested, and six cell phones were seized.

The investigation expanded as authorities reviewed data from Chi’s cell phone, revealing geotagged photographs of marijuana products and sales price sheets. These images were linked to locations in Georgia and Oklahoma, suggesting involvement in black-market marijuana sales. The investigation also included an interview with Marjorie Joan Vandeveer, a former part-owner of A&T Green Farm, LLC. Vandeveer provided insights into the business operations and her minimal involvement, shedding light on the use of her and her late husband’s names for licensing purposes.

On August 16, 2023, a search warrant was executed at A&T Green Farm, LLC. Law enforcement agents discovered 11,488 marijuana plants and approximately 525 pounds of processed marijuana stored in various locations on the property. Evidence of Chi’s control over the property was found during the search.

Based on these findings, Chi faces multiple charges, including trafficking marijuana, aggravated manufacturing of marijuana, and offering false or forged instruments for recordation. The affidavit concludes with a request for a finding of probable cause to detain and arrest Chi, which has been granted by the court.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of local and state law enforcement to combat illegal marijuana operations and ensure compliance with state regulations. The Atwood and surrounding communities can rest assured that authorities are vigilant in their pursuit of justice and maintaining public safety.

For further details, please contact the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office or the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.

The above story is based on the probable cause affidavit and does not reflect the final judgment or outcome of the legal proceedings.