Criminal ‘Marijuana Farm’ in NY Supplied Illegal NYC Smoke Shops

Introduction to the Raid

Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) raided what they said was an illegal "marijuana farm" in upstate New York that was allegedly supplying the drug to illegal smoke shops across New York City.

Nearly 30,000 marijuana plants were discovered on the property in Walworth, near Rochester, which included greenhouses for the alleged cultivation operation, officials said.

The Legal Perspective

“While cannabis may be recognized as legal in New York State, large scale marijuana grows that violate federal law are not legal and will remain targets of our enforcement efforts,” said DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino.
Ferrydoon Ardehali, 55, from Staten Island was charged by federal prosecutors of helping to run the alleged illegal pot-growing and smuggling operation. Colby Riggle, 27, from California is also facing drug-related counts which, if convicted, could carry 10 years or more in prison.

Extent of the Operation

More than 3,700 pounds of processed marijuana was also seized during the search, investigators said. Images from the property along Daansen Road shows rows of marijuana growing in greenhouses.
DEA agents were part of the operation that led to the discovery and arrest.

Reaction from Authorities and Defendants

New York City Mayor Eric Adams earlier in the week again highlighted the problem of illegal smoke shops. He said in 2024, the city shut down nearly 1,400 shops and seized over $95 million in illegal products from illicit stores.
An attorney for Ardehali said his client "looks forward to exercising his legal rights at the appropriate times throughout this legal process and addressing this matter in Court."

Defense and Investigation Details

As for Riggle, his attorney said he was just a farmhand working at the farm, and had no part in the ownership or company running the farm. Riggle was released from custody on Friday.
"He looks forward to defending himself and the accusations in court as this case moves forward," said attorney Fonda Dawn Kubiak. "He is not involved in the ownership of the farm and is not part the company controlling the farm."
FBI agents and Customs officers along with the Wayne County Sheriff assisted DEA in the investigation.

Conclusion

The raid and subsequent arrests highlight the ongoing issue of illegal marijuana operations in New York, despite the legalization of cannabis in the state. The case against Ardehali and Riggle will continue to unfold, with both defendants preparing to defend themselves against the charges.

FAQs

• Q: What was discovered in the raid in upstate New York?
  A: Nearly 30,000 marijuana plants and more than 3,700 pounds of processed marijuana were discovered.
• Q: Who were charged in connection with the alleged illegal marijuana operation?
  A: Ferrydoon Ardehali and Colby Riggle were charged.
• Q: What is the potential penalty for the drug-related counts faced by the defendants?
  A: If convicted, the defendants could face 10 years or more in prison.
• Q: How many illegal smoke shops were shut down by the city in 2024?
  A: The city shut down nearly 1,400 shops.
• Q: What was the value of illegal products seized from illicit stores in 2024?
  A: Over $95 million in illegal products were seized.