NYPD Helps Make $10M Pot Bust At Upsate Hydroponic Farm

Officials said the ring distributed the pot mostly in New York City, but dealt as far away as Philadelphia.

The NYPD helped seize $10 million worth of pot plants from upstate hydroponic farms and arrest more than a dozen people.

A strike force of federal agents, city cops and Sullivan County police swooped down on five homes two hours north of Manhattan.

Officials said the ring distributed the pot mostly in New York City, but dealt as far away as Philadelphia.

Each plant produced a pound of pot worth anywhere from $600 to $1,200 on the street.

Sixteen people, including 14 undocumented immigrants from South America, were arrested on federal drug charges during the sweep by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force.

The suspects were awaiting arraignment in U.S. District Court in White Plains on Wednesday.

Authorities were tipped off while a detective from the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office and Drug Enforcement Administration agents were checking out suspected drug locations.

They investigated a car parked outside one of the locations - and immediately smelled marijuana.

"The odor was pungent," said a law enforcement source. "It was so strong there was no mistake."

After interviewing the men inside the car, agents armed with federal search warrants hit five locations in Mamakating, Lumberland and Highland townships.

via nydailynews