New Canaan Man Operated An Illegal Marijuana Factory, Cops Say

NEW CANAAN, CT — A 49-year-old New Canaan man was arrested last week on a warrant charging him with operation of a drug factory when officers found an illegal marijuana growing facility in his Tobys Lane home, according to New Canaan police.

The pot operation initially was discovered when officers were called to the home on April 30 on a report of a domestic disturbance. At the time, Michael Leeds was arrested on charges of assault, disorderly conduct and reckless endangerment.

"During the initial investigation into the domestic disturbance responding officers observed in plain view in two rooms located on the first floor of the residence, a marijuana grow operation/drug factory," New Canaan police wrote in a statement. "The grow operation included but not limited to the following items: heat lamps, ventilation ducts, fans, irrigation systems, and multiple marijuana plants being cultivated."

New Canaan police subsequently obtained and executed a search warrant at the home and shutdown the operation and seized more than five pounds of marijuana.

Leeds surrendered to New Canaan police on June 13, and in addition to the charge of operation of a drug factory, he also was charged with possession of a controlled substance.

He was released after posting bond on bail of $75,000 and is scheduled to appear in Norwalk Superior Court June 25.