Bust of Massive Illegal Marijuana Farm in Upstate NY
The DEA raided a massive illegal marijuana farm in Walworth, near Rochester, New York, uncovering nearly 30,000 marijuana plants and over 3,700 pounds of processed marijuana. Authorities say the operation was supplying illegal smoke shops across New York City.
<img src="https://media.nbcnewyork.com/2025/05/DEA-PIC-3.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&resize=218%2C123" alt="DEA image of marijuana farm">Ferrydoon Ardehali (55, Staten Island) and Colby Riggle (27, California) were charged with drug-related offenses, facing potential sentences of 10 years or more in prison. Ardehali's attorney maintains his client will address the charges in court, while Riggle's attorney claims he was merely a farmhand and has been released from custody.
This bust comes after NYC Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the ongoing problem of illegal smoke shops, stating that the city shut down nearly 1,400 shops and seized over $95 million in illegal products in 2024.
The investigation involved the DEA, FBI agents, Customs officers, and the Wayne County Sheriff.
The Legal Landscape
While marijuana is legal in New York State, large-scale operations that violate federal law remain illegal and will be targeted for enforcement, according to DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino.
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