MONTGOMERY COUNTY, N.Y. (WRGB) — A man was arrested and charged with unlawfully growing a large amount of cannabis in the Town of Amsterdam last Thursday, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect, identified as Chuanjin Sun, 53, from Brooklyn, N.Y., was arrested by the Montgomery County Sheriff for conducting a large-scale cannabis growing operation without a legal permit, on Jun. 6, 2024, said the Office.
According to the Office, its Criminal Investigations Unit and the Town of Amsterdam Fire Inspector were advised of information about an “excessive odor of cannabis” emanating from a building on Chapman Drive, Amsterdam. An investigation was launched into the occurrence of possible illegal activities.
On Jun. 6, a large-scale cannabis growing operation was found in the building, and Sun, the owner of the building, was found growing the plants for distribution throughout New York State.
It was confirmed by the Office of Cannabis Management that Sun did not have a legal permit issued by the state to conduct the operation at this location.
The building was shut down by the Fire Inspector for violations and unsafe fire hazard conditions. Over 2,200 2- to 3-foot-height cannabis plants were seized by the Fire Inspector and Sheriff’s Office Investigators.
Sun was arrested and transported to the Office, and processed on charges of 1st-degree Criminal Possession of Cannabis, and Unlawfully Growing Cannabis.
He was arraigned in the Amsterdam Town Court and Released on his Own Recognizance with a future court date.
