OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, today commended the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (OBN) for its dedication to dismantling illegal drug operations across the state. Through relentless enforcement efforts, OBN has successfully executed numerous drug raids, significantly curbing the influence of domestic and transnational criminal organizations.

Turner, a former Sheriff and a 22-year veteran law enforcement drug agent, applauds OBN Director Donnie Anderson for his commitment to combating organized crime and illegal drug activity in Oklahoma.

“Director Anderson has made it clear—there will be ZERO tolerance for these criminal organizations in our state,” said Turner. "Our OBN agents are on the front lines daily, taking the fight directly to these criminal networks. Their efforts to target and dismantle both domestic and transnational organizations operating within our state are not only commendable but essential to preserving public safety.”

In 2021 OBN created full-time Marijuana Enforcement Teams (MET) across Oklahoma to strategically target these criminal operations. The OBN MET Unit has served hundreds of Search and Arrest Warrants as part of numerous investigations over the past three years.  

“By 2021, Oklahoma had over 8,400 licensed growers operating across Oklahoma,” said OBN Director Donnie Anderson. “We’ve linked many of these farms to transnational criminal groups from Mexico, China, Armenia, Russia and other countries. Additionally, our investigations into these organizations uncovered evidence of other crimes including labor trafficking, sex trafficking, homicides, fentanyl and precursor drug trafficking, underground gambling operations and world-wide money laundering.” 

As a result, OBN registrations for growers dropped from 8,400 in 2021 to approximately 2,400 today.

“Oklahoma’s marijuana program is no longer viewed nationally as the so-called ‘wild west of weed,’" said Director Anderson. "Oklahoma now has gained a proud reputation of having some of the most efficient and effective regulatory oversight and criminal enforcement of any medical marijuana state. The industry, itself, has expressed their support and appreciation for our combined efforts to protect the legitimate businesses and drive out the black-market.”

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, also praises OBN, emphasizing their recent impact in his district.

“In just the past six months, three major raids have taken place in my district alone, leading to the shutdown of dangerous illegal operations," said Hilbert. "These raids send a clear message—Oklahoma will not be safe haven for organized crime.”

Rep. Turner reaffirmed his commitment to supporting law enforcement and ensuring that Oklahoma remains a place where criminal organizations find no safe harbor. “We will continue to provide the necessary resources and legislative support to ensure OBN can carry out its mission effectively. This fight is far from over, but with the continued dedication of our law enforcement agencies, we will win.”