New Mexico AG Investigating Alleged Wage Theft and Human Trafficking at Cannabis Facility

The New Mexico Attorney General’s office is investigating a cannabis facility for alleged wage theft and human or labor trafficking, KOB 4 reports. While the AG’s office has confirmed the investigation, no arrests have been made.  

“We can confirm that the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office is investigating allegations of potential wage theft and human or labor trafficking at a cannabis cultivation facility in Torrance County. Our special agents, along with state and federal law enforcement partners from multiple agencies, are currently evaluating evidence recently recovered from the facility to determine if there have been any violations of the law. This is an open and active investigation.” — New Mexico Attorney General’s office, in a statement, via KOB 4 

According to the report, there were several signs written in both English and Mandarin at the facility and several Chinese people were transported to Albuquerque for medical care.  

One of the workers, through a translator, told KOB 4 that the raid was a “mistake.”  

“They did have lots of people come over, but they were actually thinking the other, some other people were here, but anyway, it comes out to be a mistake,” the worker said, “so they already leave, so everybody fine, no problem, everybody – nobody arrested or anything so, that’s it.” 

Neither the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office nor Cannabis Control Division have commented on the raid or allegations.