Some 7,889 marijuana plants, from seedlings to 14-foot, mature plants, were seized in an eradication effort last week. But, as usual with these programs, there were no arrests. The Kaua‘i Police Department in participation with the Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program
Some 7,889 marijuana plants, from seedlings to 14-foot, mature plants, were seized in an eradication effort last week.
But, as usual with these programs, there were no arrests. The Kaua‘i Police Department in participation with the Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program (DCE/SP), flew helicopters into rural, uninhabited areas of the Westside to remove the plants, which were then destroyed by fire at a secure location, said acting KPD Chief K.C. Lum.
Lum said that, because the plants were located on public land, or in former sugarcane fields grown without owner’s permission, arrests are difficult unless the helicopters catch the growers in the act of cultivating or harvesting.
“Some of (the growers) are very sophisticated,” said Lum.
He said he could not comment on the affect, if any, the program had on commercial cultivation of the illegal plants, only to say that all the plants were “not for personal use.” The investigation is continuing.
The operation had the cooperation of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, U.S. Army, Honolulu Police Department, Maui Police Department, and a civilian helicopter company.
