A New Mexico man pleaded guilty to federal charges after dozens of illegal marijuana farms were discovered.

Federal investigators found more than 30 farms were established illegally, covering hundreds of acres on Navajo Nation land. More than 1,100 greenhouses were involved in the apparent operation.

Dineh Benally, 48, pleaded guilty to four counts related to manufacturing significant amounts of marijuana with intent to distribute. He was also charged with related conspiracy charges, illegal hiring practices involving migrants, and illegal firearm possession in relation to drug trafficking.

Court documents show Benally was convicted on 15 total federal counts related to his role in the cannabis growing operation. The initial federal indictment also saw charges being filed against his

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