The New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team and investigators from the Lockport State Police Barracks executed a search warrant at 7366 Ridge Rd. in the Town of Hartland. The owner of the property William Pippard, age 52, and his son Robert V. Pippard were arrested after narcotics investigators seized a rifle, prescription medication, 1 pound of processed marijuana and over 90 marijuana plants. The plants were growing in a barn which had been converted for that purpose. During the ensuing investigation two other individuals were detained and turned over to officers of the Border Patrol, relative to their immigration status. Also assisting with the investigation were the following agencies: the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the DEA Task force. The Pippards were arraigned Friday in Federal Court and face prosecution by the US Attorney’s Office for the crimes of Intent to Manufacture Marijuana, Unlawful Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, and Maintaining a Premises with Intent to Manufacture and Distribute Marijuana.
