Coorong drug crop bust

LARGE CROP: Almost 100 cannabis plants were seized from three sites in the Coorong.

Police seized almost 100 marijuana plants from remote bush land recently.

About 10.30am Tuesday, February 13, following an investigation, officers from the Drug and Organised Crime Task Force supported by Water Operations Unit and National Parks and Wildlife conducted a search of remote Crown Land within the states South East.

Officers located 98 cannabis plants ranging in size from one to three meters tall being grown across three crop sites within a the Coorong.

Sadly officers found considerable damage had been caused to the natural vegetation as a result of clearing space for the cannabis plants, which negatively impacts on the biodiversity of the area.

Detective Chief Inspector David Huddy, Officer in Charge of the Serious and Organised Crime Branch said the seizure was part of an ongoing collaboration.

“Yesterday’s seizure is the result of ongoing collaboration between South Australia Police and National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia,” he said.

“The use of Crown Land by criminal groups shows disregard for the natural environment for the sole purpose of trading in illicit drugs.”

All plants were seized and investigation into the crop remains on going.

Anyone with information about drug manufacture or cannabis cultivation is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.