Police make record cannabis busts.

[Tom]

SEIZURES of hydroponically grown cannabis in the Adelaide's Elizabeth area are running at record levels.

 

So far this financial year, 182 offences have been recorded, compared to 152 for the corresponding period last year.

Detections peaked in February with 29 offences recorded – a 61 per cent increase over the January figure of 18.

 

Elizabeth CIB acting Chief Inspector John Venditto said yesterday the large increase in detections was a result of a focus on drug distribution in the area.

 

The increased use of accurate intelligence on drug manufacturing and dedicated operations to tackle them were key components of the police action.

 

"SA police operate with effective authorities that allow us to investigate drug-related offences," he said.

 

"In practical terms, it means being able to respond quickly to secure evidence.

 

"Recently, this has allowed us to catch suspects in the process of actually handling the drugs preparing them for distribution. The focus on preventing drug distribution in the Elizabeth local service area has seen a concerted effort with patrols, traffic, CIB and plain clothes members making significant seizures."

 

Chief Inspector Venditto said those who produced cannabis and other drugs ran the risk of encountering others in the drug industry, not just police action.

 

"The drugs are always a target for thieves and, associated with that, is the real risk of serious physical harm," he said. "There have been many documented cases of harm as a result of drug rip-offs."

 

Significant cannabis seizures this month include:

 

ON March 2, police found 141 cannabis plants being grown hydroponically in a house at Wild Horse Plains. Another five plants were found at a nearby house.

 

ON March 7 police found 2kg of cannabis being processed at a Davoren Park house. Two women, 51 and 36, were charged with possessing cannabis for sale.

 

ON March 10, police raided a Brahma Lodge house and found three cannabis plants being grown hydroponically and 6kg of dried cannabis.

 

Author:By Nigel Hunt

Date:April 01, 2005

Source:news.com.au

Copyright:Copyright 2005 News Limited.

 

[Matanuska Thunder]

Moral of this story…grow only for yourself and tell no one!