Regardless of other issues raised by this story, as a gardener I am impressed by the horticultural prowess, discipline, and commitment it takes to keep 700 plants of any kind alive … indoors … under lights:

WNBC reported, “It took investigators several hours to remove all of the drug-related material from the location.” Also, it was “unusual” for so many pot plants to be grown in one city location.
– 700 Marijuana Plants Found in Apartment, Gothamist

Drug Enforcement agents raided a Washington Heights apartment building on Tuesday and found a virtual “forest” of marijuana plants being grown on one floor of the building.
…
Con Edison electrical experts were also called in to help dismantle the drug facility because of the advanced lighting that was installed across five rooms of the building.
– Marijuana ‘Forest’ Found In Manhattan Building, WNBC

I’m strictly an outdoor gardener. I can’t even keep a houseplant alive. Nevertheless, I will state for the record that this is not the sort of CSA I hope to see in my neighborhood.