Authorities seize LSD, prescription meds in New Hartford drug raid

After a two-month investigation into illegal drug sales, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit seized marijuana, prescriptions medications, LSD and other drugs and drug paraphernalia from a home in New Hartford.

What the sheriff's office seized from the home.

And why those responsible... are not behind bars.

Good evening everyone i'm jason powles.

Thank you for joining us.

In the past an investigation like this one in new hartford would be cut and dry... but thanks to bail reform...in particular the discovery process...its anything but.

News channel's caitlin irla joins us live in the studio with why authorities have their hands tied with this investigation.

Good evening jason.

Following a two month longinvestigation, ( of drugs were seizefrom38-54 onw hartford.

Due to the new discovery procedures in new york state....no charges have been filed yet.

Oneida county sheriff rob maciol says cocaine, l-s-d, prescription medications, marijuana, mushrooms and other drugs were taken from the home.

The sheriff says of course it is a good thing these drugs were taken off the street... the frustrating part for law enforcement, is the individuals responsible, are not.

Sheriff maciol says because of the discovery process under the new bail reform laws, certain things, such as lab results from the drugs, have to be turned over to the defense within a specific time frame.

Lab results could take several weeks, sometimes several months.

"the frustrating thing for us obviously, in the meantime from today until the time this plays out through the discovery process and getting our results back from the lab, in many cases the drug activity can continue, maybe not at this location but another location, the persons responsible for trafficking the drugs into the community they still are allowed to move around without being charged, there's no charge, no bail, until we get everything back we need to put our case together to present to the grand jury."

After all of the evidence is presented to the grand jury, they will decide whether they are going to indict the suspect or not.

If jurors find the accusations presented to them to be true, an arrest warrant would have to be issued by a judge and the sheriff's office would then locate the suspect and make the arrest.

Jason, back to you.

New tonight...quite a scene at a popular eatery on route 205 in otsego county.