WALWORTH — Two men were arrested and charged with operating a large-scale illegal marijuana cultivation operation in Wayne County, federal authorities announced Thursday.
Ferrydoon M. Ardehali, 55, of Staten Island, N.Y., and Colby Riggle, 37, of California, face charges of manufacturing and possessing with intent to distribute 1,000 or more marijuana plants.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
According to the criminal complaint, the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating the operation on Daansen Road in Walworth in January.
Investigators discovered the defendants were allegedly selling and distributing marijuana to multiple New York State-authorized cannabis grow facilities, including businesses in North Tonawanda and Clarence, under the business name Integrity Farms & Greenhouses, Inc.
A records check with the New York State Office of Cannabis Management revealed neither Integrity Farms & Greenhouses, Inc., nor any other business associated with the operation has been issued a state license to grow cannabis or hemp.
On May 14, investigators executed a search warrant at the Daansen Road property, where they seized approximately 29,406 growing marijuana plants and approximately 3,700 lbs. of processed marijuana.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the DEA, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and several other federal and local law enforcement organizations.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
