Hard line on hydroponics

[dsyfer]

Original Article Sunday Mail Adelaide 29th January 2006

 

Hard line on hydroponics

Alison Sandy

29jan06

 

SHOPS selling hydroponic equipment would be licensed and customers would require photo identification before they can buy anything if the Liberals win government in March.

 

The policy, proposed by Opposition police spokesman Robert Brokenshire, would also require those buying hydroponic equipment to detail the purpose and place in which the equipment would be used.

 

Mr Brokenshire said illicit drug use would be slashed by the initiative, which also proposes to root out connections between the industry and bikie gangs.

 

"We recognise legislative reform is needed to stamp out illegal activity which stems from many of these hydroponic stores," he said.

 

"A licensing system will ensure police can better scrutinise activities within hydroponic stores."

 

There are no regulatory controls on ownership or association with a hydroponic shop.

 

But under the proposed legislation, police would be able to inspect the registers of hydroponic shops and the homes of people buying the equipment.

 

"This becomes an additional tool for police in fighting drug-dealing and growing by allowing them to inspect the registers of shops that give addresses of buyers," Mr Brokenshire said.

 

"And therefore they can inspect that property. We would expect the normal checks and balances that police put into other powers they have, so people not involved (in cannabis production) won't have to worry."

 

Mr Brokenshire said when he was police minister he was advised 41 of the 61 hydroponic shops in the Adelaide metropolitan area were operated by people who had recorded criminal involvement in the cultivation or distribution of cannabis.

 

He said 17 of the 61 operators were alleged to be either full members of or linked to outlawed motorcycle gangs.

 

"It is also understood that a number of shops are strategically placed across the metropolitan area and allegedly employ people with drug-related criminal records, or who are suspected of drug-related activity," Mr Brokenshire said. Some hydroponic shops in SA were reportedly recording annual turnovers of more than $1 million.

 

"It is fanciful to believe that such large turnovers are generated purely by avid gardeners trying to grow the perfect lettuce or tomato," he said. "In many cases, police suspect illegal activities are taking place but do not have sufficient powers to monitor and stop them."

 

Police Association of SA president Peter Alexander welcomed the proposal and said current laws were insufficient.

 

"We support that because obviously what has started out as a cottage industry has grown and grown in terms of criminality," he said.

 

"Certainly there's evidence of significant involvement of bikie groups.

 

"The legislation needs to reflect improper use by anybody in terms of drugs, and people with legitimate purposes have nothing to fear."

 

When asked whether police could effectively enforce the proposed legislation, Mr Alexander said police resourcing was another issue entirely.

 

"We're talking to the Government and Opposition about that in the lead-up to the election," he said. "We want it to be at an appropriate level so they can combat these issues.

 

"Obviously there needs to be legislation that gives police the power to do this."

 

That was from the online site, it was also printed in the paper, so I scanned that as well (haven't checked them word for word to see if they are the same or not)

 

They tried to introduce this shit years ago and failed miserably

 

[Tom]

The policy, proposed by Opposition police spokesman Robert Brokenshire, would also require those buying hydroponic equipment to detail the purpose and place in which the equipment would be used.

If you live in South Australia the Liberals would not be a good party to support at the next state election. The Liberal party has obviously never heard of internet shopping either, there is at least one business selling hydroponics gear on ebay too.

 

[dsyfer]

Does that mean that Bunnings and Mite10 will also be required to interogate customers buying anything hydroponic?

[Frazz]

With any luck the libs will not win power in sa...rann's far to smart for his opposition number, unless something unforseen occurs

Brokenshire is another right-wing law and order, marijuana hating mongrel :thumbdown

[dsyfer]

The policy, proposed by Opposition police spokesman Robert Brokenshire, would also require those buying hydroponic equipment to detail the purpose and place in which the equipment would be used.

 

I bet you $50 there would be one dumb idiot that would

write down the correct details:

 

I will be doinga 50 plant marijuana grow

at 32 dipshit St, Wankerhood Nth ::

[Nath]

Fake id's will be popping up everywhere, people going down for fraud... they are making people into criminals, thats the governments goal.. this is rediculous. Its good that bunnings sells these nutes.. but people will just go to Big W and start growing indoors with thrive soluble and shit like that if this happened, or even make your chemicals up, its not all that hard. Also equipment could all be sourced from other places, fans, lighting etc..

[keepleft]

well theres plenty of stores in victoria who would be pleased to supply the sa market. and just like the grand prix - were happy to take the business from you! Edited January 29, 2006 by keepleft

[Sir Crop Alot]

well theres plenty of stores in victoria who would be pleased to supply the sa market.  and just like the grand prix - were happy to take the business from you!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Here, here :whistling ::

[Frazz]

well theres plenty of stores in victoria who would be pleased to supply the sa market.  and just like the grand prix - were happy to take the business from you!

 

Yeah well thats ok...so long as you vic's continue to buy 60% of sa's commercial crop.

 

[mj addict]

If supermarkets/nurseries/hardware stores are smart they will start to stock the FULL RANGE of hydro supplies for indoor growers.

 

It would be a money spinner for them and would be good for us because prices will come down and it will make it harder for the police to target hydro customers...

 

On the other hand I wouldn't want to bump into someone that knew me at the supermarket while I'm loading a couple bottles of Dutchmaster into the trolley :whistling