ASHFIELD — Three Chinese nationals have been arrested in Ashfield after Massachusetts State Police, working in collaboration with the Ashfield and Goshen Police departments, found thousands of marijuana plants and roughly 109 pounds of processed cannabis during a raid of a West Road home.
State Police took Hongxi Chen, 39, from Brooklyn, New York, her husband Jing Hong Chen, 36, from Ashfield, and Huanquan Ye, 53, from Flushing, New York, into custody on Sept. 26 and transported them to the Shelburne State Police barracks for booking. All three defendants have been charged with trafficking more than 100 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds of marijuana and possession of 12 or more marijuana plants.
“During the search, investigators located approximately 2,380 marijuana plants in various stages of growth. The interior of the residence had been extensively modified to accommodate approximately 12 marijuana grow rooms, as well as drying and processing rooms,” State Trooper Daniel Madsen wrote in a police report. “All parties were advised of their Miranda rights and refused to answer any questions at this time.”
According to the police report, both Jing Hong Chen and Hongxi Chen were advised that the Chinese Consulate would be notified of their arrests.
The 366 West Road residence was condemned by the Ashfield health agent, according to a statement published on the Ashfield Police Department’s Facebook page.
“I want to thank the agencies that were involved with this operation, helping to keep our community safe,” Ashfield Police Chief Beth Bezio wrote in the post.
