Sheriff David Harrison, Jr., center, examines pot plant with other officers

HUDSON – The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has concluded a county-wide search for marijuana that resulted in the seizure of over 600 plants worth $450,000 and the arrests of two people.

The Sheriff’s Office Drug Education and Enforcement Unit, with air support from the Massachusetts Army National Guard Reconnaissance and Interdiction Unit in Westfield, MA, conducted the operation over a 2 ½ day period last week and announced its results on Wednesday.

A helicopter, its flight crew and one deputy sheriff flew over most towns in Columbia County. Marijuana plants were first observed from the air and then seized by deputies on the ground in the towns of Chatham, Ghent, Stuyvesant, Hillsdale, New Lebanon, Copake, Ancram, Germantown and Livingston.

Dominique Standquest, 57, of Sekonk Road in Hillsdale was arrested and charged with growing cannabis. She was charged with growing 14 eight-foot marijuana plants in a tomato garden near her home. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Police also discovered a residence in Chatham with an elaborate indoor marijuana grow system using revolving lights and drying containers. Robert Smith, 41, of County Route 32 in Chatham, who cooperated with police when approached, was charged with growing cannabis at his residence. He was also issued an appearance ticket.

Police confiscated 102 marijuana plants as well as equipment used in growing and processing the plants. Additional plants were seized outside his home.

Additional charges may be filed against Smith, police said.

The seizures and arrests were the results of many tips to from Columbia County residents and the investigative work of the sheriff’s personnel.