Escape from Illegal Marijuana Farm

Former employees of an Oklahoma farm have raised serious allegations against their bosses, claiming they incited labor conflicts and were involved in a drug raid that led to the farm's closure in 2022. Lin, a former worker, detailed his experiences, which were corroborated by law enforcement, court documents, and interviews with other workers. He described how he and fellow employees were brought to the farm by smugglers, known as "snakeheads," and were not allowed to leave, raising concerns about labor exploitation. Lin's situation is further complicated by his association with Zhixuan Hai, the farm's manager, who is currently awaiting trial for allegedly robbing a business associate. Additionally, Lin has reportedly had contact with a suspected Chinese organized crime group involved in illicit activities across multiple states, according to a U.S. law enforcement official. This connection adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigations into the farm's operations. The pandemic in 2020 led many Chinese immigrants, including Lin, to seek employment in the marijuana industry, despite the risks involved. Lin expressed fear over the treatment he and his colleagues received, claiming they were often denied wages and threatened by their employers. He recounted a particularly frightening incident involving a gun, although this claim could not be independently verified. As Lin continues to evade his former employers, he remains concerned for his safety, stating that they are actively searching for him. His story highlights the broader issues of labor rights and exploitation within the agricultural sector, particularly among immigrant workers.