LIHU‘E — Nearly three days of islandwide aerial surveillance by federal, state and county agencies have led to the seizure of 600 marijuana plants and no arrests, county officials said. Authorities confiscated plants ranging from seedlings to three feet high,
LIHU‘E — Nearly three days of islandwide aerial surveillance by federal, state and county agencies have led to the seizure of 600 marijuana plants and no arrests, county officials said.
Authorities confiscated plants ranging from seedlings to three feet high, a news release states.
“All protocols are followed during our missions, such as spotting from a minimum of 500 feet from the ground and lower when we’re in active eradication mode,” Kaua‘i Police Asst. Chief Roy Asher with the Investigative Services Bureau said in the release.
The missions are conducted unannounced “to protect the integrity of the program and for the safety of those involved,” the release states.
In addition to U.S. Coast Guard helicopters, the county helicopter was used to inspect the island.
“The personnel involved in the marijuana eradication program undergo extensive training and are required to pass rigorous tests before they are accepted into the program,” Asher said. “Throughout our missions, we always have the safety of the public and public property in mind.”
Honolulu and Maui police departments, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and state Narcotics Enforcement assisted KPD, the release states.
The Domestic Cannabis Eradication Suppression Program and the Statewide Marijuana Eradication Task Force provided funding.
The county encourages anyone with information about marijuana cultivation on Kaua‘i to call police dispatch at 241-1711 or Crime Stoppers at 241-1887.
