Sen. Collins questions Secretary Blinken on illegal Marijuana grows in Maine
Senator Collins Raises National Security Concerns Over Illegal Marijuana Operations in Maine.
Maine Senator Susan Collins is bringing the concerns about illegal marijuana growing operations in Maine to the very top.
On Tuesday, she questioned Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the situation in Maine.
Senator Collins says the illegal operations are posing a significant national security and public health risk.
Citing federal numbers, Collins says between 100 and 200 sites have been identified in Maine.
She asked Secretary Blinken whether the marijuana grows, linked to criminal syndicates in China, are operating with the knowledge and consent of the Chinese government.
“Dealing with countering narcotics is a big part of our engagement with China. We're, of course very focused on synthetic opioids, fentanyl. But any drug that poses a problem and is threatening our communities is something that we're deeply concerned with. I'd welcome following up with you on this,” Blinken said.
