BUCKINGHAM – According to a press release from Buckingham County Sheriff William G. Kidd Jr., the Buckingham County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the Virginia State Police, conducted an operation on July 27 in the county specifically targeting the cultivation and harvesting of illegal marijuana plants.

“The operation was a success with a total of three identified sites,” the release states.

According to the release, “In all, a total of 6,258 marijuana plants were eradicated with the majority coming from a secluded elaborate 'grow' operation. The estimated 'street' value of the plants is around $21.9 million.”

The release cited that Sheriff Kidd is very pleased with this operation and notes, “This is yet another fine example of the cooperation between the Sheriff's Office and the State Police that resulted in a huge impact in illegal drugs in our county. I remain firm that drugs will not be tolerated in our community.”

The release states, “Sheriff Kidd would also like to express his sincere appreciation to several citizens that offered to assist in the operation by donating time and specialized equipment that was needed to facilitate the removal of the plants. The investigation is on-going.”