A federal grand jury in Las Vegas returned a 10-count indictment charging six defendants in connection with a large-scale illegal marijuana grow operation.[1] The defendants, all Chinese nationals residing in Las Vegas, are Changtian Mai, Hoi Man Mak also known as Antares Mak, Shengsheng Feng, Zhifeng Mai, Jianwen Mai and Jianquan Mai.[1]
Court documents state that from January 2025 to February 2026 the six defendants had active roles in growing 1,000 or more marijuana plants and maintaining four houses used as illegal grow sites in Las Vegas.[1] One of the grow houses was located near a public park.[1] Each defendant is charged with one count of conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a protected area, one count of manufacturing a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a protected area, and six counts of manufacturing a controlled substance.[1]
Changtian Mai faces two additional counts of money laundering.[1] The case was investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, IRS Criminal Investigation and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.[2] Arraignment is scheduled for September 1, 2026, and each defendant faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted.[1]
