Several local arrests in marijuana busts

Four local residents were among those arrested during a two-week long sweep of marijuana fields in Washington County.

John Winchell, the undersheriff for Washington County said a total of 8,000 plants were seized in towns throughout the county. The operation, which included state police helicopters, was performed by the Washington County Drug Task Force, which includes officers from various departments and agencies.

The majority of the plants, 5,500, were found off New Swamp Road in Kingsbury. Winchell said police do not expect to be able to make any arrests in that case.

Smaller numbers of plants, ranging from four to 150, were found in Hebron and Granville, and a small plot was found behind the school bus garage in Fort Ann.

Sites in Granville included Hicks Road and Route 22. In addition, 65 plants were found near the Pole Valley Player’s Club golf course in Hartford.

Those arrested and charged with  unlawfully growing cannabis were Randy VanGuilder, 48, of Granville, Diane H. David, 54, of Hebron, Brian B. Flanagan, 62, of Hebron and Helen R. McKittrick, 57, of Hebron.

The charges are misdemeanors.