(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. – A Cuba couple was arrested and charged with operating a large-scale marijuana grow operation after a raid at their residence uncovered hundreds of plants and illicit substances. Daniel S. Ackerman, 58, and Ana L. Maldonado-Delgado, 31, were charged with manufacturing and possessing over 100 marijuana plants with the intent to distribute. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine of up to $5,000,000.
The investigation began when the Cuba Police Department received information about a potential marijuana cultivation operation. On October 10, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the couple’s Farnsworth Road home, revealing a large-scale marijuana growing operation. Authorities seized 475 growing marijuana plants, 124 dried plants, a significant amount of processed marijuana, and 10 glass jars containing concentrated cannabis oil. Additionally, officers found a 9mm pistol, suspected psilocybin mushrooms, two cell phones, and other drug-related items.
The operation was part of a larger investigation involving the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and local law enforcement agencies, including the Cuba Police Department, the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, the Olean Police Department, and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office.
The charges remain accusations, and Ackerman and Maldonado-Delgado are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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