Savannah Man Among Ten Sentenced in Multi-State Black-Market Marijuana Operation
Massive federal investigation nets over 3,500 pounds of cannabis, $400,000 in cash, and 10 properties
By Carol A. Gasser Moore
SAVANNAH, Chatham County, Georgia – A Savannah man is among ten individuals sentenced this week in a sweeping federal investigation that dismantled a national black-market marijuana distribution ring, which spanned multiple states and involved millions in illegal proceeds.
Daniel Walsh, 35, of Savannah, was sentenced to four months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a sprawling drug conspiracy linked to a covert operation that relocated from Michigan to Oklahoma after a string of law enforcement actions.
Federal prosecutors say the multi-year investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) uncovered an elaborate network of marijuana cultivation sites, distribution pipelines, and money laundering tactics that moved product and profits across state lines, exploiting financial institutions and real estate systems to conceal their crimes.
The organization—fueled by thousands of pounds of marijuana and intricate cash transactions—began its operations in Michigan in 2019. Following raids and seizures in early 2022, the group relocated to Ada, Oklahoma, where they continued their activities under a similar blueprint: large-scale marijuana grows, stash houses in Oklahoma City, and interstate shipments to customers.
According to prosecutors, Daniel Walsh’s role in the enterprise involved his participation in the distribution chain, supporting the movement of marijuana and laundering the proceeds derived from those sales.
“This was a well-organized criminal enterprise, and even lower-level participants like Mr. Walsh played a role in perpetuating an illegal economy that harms communities and subverts legal cannabis frameworks,” said a spokesperson from the Western District of Oklahoma U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Ten Sentenced, More Than 38 Years in Prison Ordered
The probe culminated with a 47-count federal indictment in July 2023. Over the course of the investigation, agents seized:
- 3,500 pounds of marijuana
- 5,000 marijuana plants
- $409,883.04 in U.S. currency
- 10 vehicles
- 10 properties worth $4.67 million
All ten defendants have now been sentenced, including several Chinese nationals residing in New York, Michigan, and Oklahoma, who were involved in the financing, cultivation, and transportation of the drugs.
Naigang Lin, 38, of Oklahoma City, and Fei Xie, 36, of Kirkland, Washington, each received 10 years in federal prison, the longest terms among those sentenced. Meanwhile, Naiqing Lin, a New York-based Chinese national, was handed 37 months after being convicted in a jury trial last August.
Other individuals received between 4 months and 10 years, depending on their involvement and prior criminal history. The case, coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), included investigative contributions from the DEA, IRS-Criminal Investigations, and local agencies.
Federal Authorities Warn Against Illicit Cannabis Schemes
Officials emphasized that black-market marijuana remains a high enforcement priority, despite increasing legalization efforts across many states.
“This criminal organization exploited Oklahoma to expand their illicit large-scale black-market marijuana and money laundering operation across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “The closure of this case is yet another example of law enforcement’s persistent, coordinated efforts.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard added: “These collective sentences serve as a stern reminder that drug trafficking and financial crime schemes will not go unchecked.”
For residents of Savannah, Daniel Walsh’s sentencing is a reminder that even individuals far from the hub of activity can be pulled into the reach of federal investigations that span coast to coast.
More information is available through public records from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.
