URGENT Seizes Over 22 Pounds of Pot

A residential alarm led police to discovering over 22 pounds of marijuana and the arrest of a 44-year-old Ulster County man. Police say the street value of the weed is around $70,000.

A residential alarm caused Town of Olive Police to check on a home located on Route 28 in Shokan. While checking the outside of the residence police noticed a strong smell of marijuana coming from inside the home.

After a search warrant was issued members of the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT) located a large marijuana growing operation throughout the residence. URGENT members seized over 22 pounds of pot in all stage of preparation. URGENT Detective Lieutenant Edwin A. Brewster tells Hudson Valley Post the street value of the seized marijuana is anywhere from $22,000 to $110,000.

The Ulster County Sheriff's Office charged the sole resident of the house, 44-year-old Kyung-Ku La, with 1st degree criminal possession of marijuana, a felony and unlawfully growing cannabis, a misdemeanor. He was arraigned in Hurley Town Court and released to appear in Olive Town Court at a later time.

The investigation is continuing and additional charges may be filed.