Police Discover Large Marijuana Grow Operation in Columbia County

A Columbia County man was arrested following the execution of a search warrant at his home.

On May, 15, 2018, Troopers and the Narcotics Enforcement Team executed a search warrant at a residence in the Town of Hillsdale, N.Y., in Columbia County.

The search warrant was issued by a local magistrate after an investigation revealed the location of a large-scale marijuana grow operation on West End Road in the Town of Hillsdale.

Police seized numerous cannabis plants in various stages of growth located in the residence, and a large quantity of prepared marijuana.

James M. Valentin, 49, of Hillsdale, N.Y. was arrested and charged with:

• Criminal Possession of Marijuana first-degree - Class C felony
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance seventh-degree
• Unlawful Growing of Cannabis
• Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Non-Original Container

Valentin was arraigned in the Town Claverack Court, and remanded to Columbia County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

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