Two men are facing charges for allegedly operating a large-scale illegal cannabis growing operation in Wayne County, New York. The individuals, identified as Ardehali and Riggle, were charged with manufacturing and possessing thousands of marijuana plants with the intent to distribute them. This follows a multi-agency investigation initiated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in January after a complaint regarding the operation on Daansen Road in Walworth.
According to prosecutors, the operation, linked to Integrity Farms & Greenhouses, Inc., lacked the necessary state license to cultivate cannabis. The New York State Office of Cannabis Management confirmed that the company had never been issued a permit for marijuana cultivation.
On Wednesday, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the Walworth property, resulting in the seizure of approximately 29,406 marijuana plants and around 3,700 pounds of processed cannabis. The plants were found in six distinct grow rooms situated on a six-acre site.
If convicted, both defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment. An attorney representing Riggle indicated that his client, who claims he was merely a farmhand and not an owner, is eager to contest the allegations in court. Riggle was released from custody the same day a statement was issued.
Ardehali’s attorney has also stated that he looks forward to exercising his legal rights throughout the proceedings. The case is still in its early stages, and the defendants are expected to continue their legal defense as more details emerge.
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