Chinese nationals sentenced in Georgia drug trafficking conspiracy; defendants to be deported after prison terms

WAYCROSS, Ga. (WTOC) - Six defendants involved in a southern Georgia drug trafficking operation have been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty in connection with a multi-county marijuana growing scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.

The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood and announced by U.S. Attorney Margaret E. “Meg” Heap. Federal officials said each defendant will be deported following completion of their prison terms.

The defendants and their sentences are as follows:

• Chen Hui Shu, 36, of Hunan, China, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
• Jin Peng Ma, 35, of Taishan City, Guangdong, China, received 29 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
• Lecai Huang, 68, of Taishan City, was sentenced to 30 months in prison.
• Wei Sheng Deng, 41, of Guangzhou, China, received 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
• Zhu Sheng Bing, 65, of Taishan City, was sentenced to 30 months in prison.
• Zhi Yong Ma, 54, of Taishan City, received 29 months in prison.

Officials noted there is no parole in the federal prison system. Upon release, each defendant will be transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation proceedings.

Investigation began in 2023

Prosecutors said the case began in July 2023 after law enforcement received multiple reports of the smell of marijuana coming from a property in Pierce County. The investigation later expanded into Brantley County.

During surveillance and searches of both sites, investigators discovered two large-scale indoor marijuana cultivation operations equipped with irrigation systems, grow lights, and multi-stage production setups. Authorities seized approximately 15,000 marijuana plants in total.

Investigators said the proceeds of the operation were traced internationally. Both properties involved in the case were forfeited to the United States in March 2026.

Law enforcement response

U.S. Attorney Heap said the case underscores the impact of coordinated law enforcement efforts.

“This case highlights how the actions of steadfast law enforcement officers led to the discovery and dismantling of a massive drug distribution operation in southern Georgia,” Heap said.

Drug Enforcement Administration officials and local law enforcement agencies, including the Brantley County and Pierce County sheriff’s offices, assisted in the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia G. Rhodes, Tara M. Lyons, J. Bishop Ravenel, and Darron J. Hubbard.

DEA Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung said the investigation reflects strong interagency cooperation.

“The successful takedown of this network sends a clear message that our law enforcement partners remain united and unwavering in the effort to identify, investigate, and dismantle organizations that threaten the safety of our neighborhoods,” Chung said.