WISE TOWNSHIP — Two people have been charged following a Michigan State Police investigation into black-market marijuana grow operations in Isabella and Midland counties.
According to an Oct. 6 news release from state police, the Marijuana and Tobacco Tax Investigation Section began looking into a suspected illegal grow operation on Nov. 2, 2024, after receiving tips about activity at a home in the 9000 block of Pere Marquette Road in Wise Township.
After a month of surveillance, investigators executed a search warrant on Dec. 17, 2024, seizing 257 marijuana plants, a pistol, a shotgun and other evidence of illegal cultivation. Evidence gathered at the scene led investigators to a second grow operation in the 600 block of Gensel Drive in Jerome Township, Midland County.
Troopers also executed a warrant at that location on Dec. 17, where they seized 76 marijuana plants, 18 pounds of cultivated marijuana and ammunition. State police said both sites were operated by the same individuals and were stealing electricity by illegally tampering with meters to avoid paying usage fees.
Raul Castenda Hernandez, 36, was arraigned Aug. 6, 2025, on charges including conducting a criminal enterprise, delivery of 5 to 45 kilograms of marijuana, felon in possession of ammunition, malicious destruction of utility property and fraudulent use of a utility.
Giselle Ibanez Martinez, 42, was arraigned Sept. 9, 2025, on charges including conducting a criminal enterprise, delivery of 5 to 45 kilograms of marijuana, malicious destruction of utility property and fraudulent use of a utility.
The MSP Marijuana and Tobacco Tax Investigation Section oversees inspections of licensed marijuana and tobacco businesses statewide and investigates violations of related state laws.