⏱ 2 min read
Like Chen, a 36-year-old convicted drug trafficker, was involved in a large-scale marijuana trafficking operation that spanned multiple states, including Texas and Louisiana. On April 14, 2025, DEA Special Agents observed Chen’s associates picking up a known marijuana distributor from an airport in Houston, Texas, and driving him to a residence in Katy, Texas. The following day, Chen and another individual retrieved multiple large trash bags from a storage unit in Denham Springs, Louisiana, which contained approximately 43.5 kilograms of marijuana. Chen was sentenced to 24 months in prison on July 8, 2026.
The investigation began when DEA Special Agents observed an individual identified as Yilei Zhou pick up Hanjie Wu, a known marijuana distributor, from an airport in Houston, Texas. They then drove to a residence in Katy, Texas, where they picked up Zihang Zeng, and then drove to Denham Springs, Louisiana. The next day, Chen and Wei Bin Chen left Denham Springs and retrieved the large trash bags from a storage unit.
Forrest County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop of Chen’s vehicle on Interstate 59 headed towards Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and seized approximately 43.5 kilograms of marijuana. Mississippi Police Department officers also conducted a traffic stop of another vehicle involved in the operation, seizing approximately 22.7 kilograms of marijuana.
Chen pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, a mixture and substance containing 100 kilograms or more of a detectable amount of marijuana. Chen was sentenced to 24 months in prison, 4 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Drug Trafficking
- Defendant: Louisiana
- Location: LA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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