Over 3,200 Marijuana Plants Seized And Operation Dismantled
SYRACUSE, NY. - Wilbert L. Plummer, the Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement (DEA) announced the dismantlement and seizure of a marijuana grow operation located in Herkimer County.
During a three month investigation, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Syracuse Resident Office, and the New York State Police, Community Narcotics Enforcement Team in Utica, N.Y., identified an indoor marijuana grow operation in Herkimer County. Investigators identified Corey Leitz, a 42 year old male, as the person responsible. On December 12, 2011, DEA obtained a federal search warrant for the residence and two businesses located at 162 McIntyre Road, Frankfort, NY. The businesses listed at this address are Leitz Trucking Corporation and Earthwork’s Limited, Incorporated.
Based on current information, investigators do not believe the businesses were involved in the grow operation. On the morning of December 14 th, DEA and NYSP Special Operations and Response Teams executed the search warrant at 162 McIntyre Road. Investigators located a sophisticated indoor marijuana grow on three floors of the barn and seized over 3,200 marijuana plants and approximately 17 pounds of processed marijuana packaged for resale. The grow was processed and inventoried by DEA and the NYSP Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team. Several of the doors and walls of the marijuana grow operation were fortified with steel to prevent burglaries. Access to the upper floors of the grow were only accessible by wooden ladders. The grow operation utilized motorized high intensity lights on tracks, commercial drying racks, and specialized water conditioning equipment. Corey Leitz was arrested and charged in the Northern District of New York for violations of Title 21 U.S.C. (a)(1) (b)(1) (a) .
Investigators seized a 2008 GMC pick- up truck, valued at approximately $50,000.00, four late model snowmobiles, and a car trailer from the property. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Syracuse Resident Office, the New York State Police, and the New York National Guard Counterdrug Program were involved in this investigation.
