Chinese financiers and operators are behind a surge of illegal marijuana grow operations that have sprung up across Maine, according to Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).

Collins has led the charge to stand up a joint federal, state, and local operation to take down the hundreds of confirmed grow houses in her backyard. Since 2022, her small New England home state has had 270 confirmed illegal marijuana grow operations uncovered by authorities, but Collins is particularly concerned with who is behind them.