Authorities uncovered approximately $500,000 worth of marijuana plants in about 20 locations in Montgomery County after two marijuana eradication operations in August.
Authorities seized more than 500 marijuana plants, from 2 feet to more than 5 feet tall. According to a news release from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, a mature marijuana plant is worth about $1,000.
Ryan D. McGrath, 23, of 1137 Corbin Hill Road, Root, and Michael S. Ward, 41, of 112 Colyer Road, Florida, were arrested Thursday and charged with unlawfully growing cannabis. They were issued appearance tickets.
The men were connected to only a portion of the plants, said Lt. Burt Wilson, who added the investigation is ongoing.
Wilson said the plants were found in a variety of places, including corn fields, wooded areas and one of the suspect's back yards. He said the massive growing operation did not initially appear to be part of a larger drug ring outside of Montgomery County.
"It's tough to tell," he said. "Who knows where they take them [the plants] from here?"
Deputies said tips from residents helped them to find the plants, as did intelligence from the state Air National Guard and the Canajoharie, Fort Plain and St. Johnsville police departments.
Another marijuana eradication has been under way in the area. A Northampton home was raided two weeks ago in an effort that included the Gloversville and Johnstown police departments and the Fulton County Sheriff's Department. That raid yielded one arrest, but Gloversville police, who are coordinating the investigation, have not released the name, saying the investigation is ongoing.
