The controversial annual Cannabis Eradication Program took place again across the Northern Rivers last week, with police announcing their seizures at a media conference on Thursday (February 7).
But even on the final day of the program, two arrests were made with support from the Polair helicopter.
Hopkins Creek flyover
Tweed Byron police said Polair ‘observed a large number of cannabis plants growing at the rear of the residence of a Hopkins Creek property’.
The 60-year-old male occupant later led police to ‘a large crop of cannabis plants located on his property making admissions to police’.
Police seized 257 plants from the property, with some over two metres in height.
Police claim the plants to have a street value of over $500,000.
The man was refused bail and appeared Byron Bay Local Court on Friday, February 8.
Tyalgum arrest
Meanwhile a 46-year-old male was arrested and charged with offences relating to cannabis leaf, cannabis plants, ammunition and cash after Polair observed several cannabis plants growing on a rural property near Tyalgum.
Police seized 46 cannabis plants, more than 20kg of cannabis leaf, ammunition and $1,295.00 cash.
The male was arrested and charged with cultivating a prohibited plant, possessing a prohibited drug, supplying cannabis, possessing ammunition without authority and dealing with proceeds of crime.
He was bailed to appear at Murwillumbah Local Court on March 26.
See also: The Echo‘s editorial on recreational drug use policies.
Well the guy that made damaging admissions got refused bail, so much for cooperating with police questioning.
Govt and authorities operate from a bought off and ignorant position that helps no one or govt. About time that was what gets eradicated, as so well pointed out as to why, by the Echo editorial about this. The way is shown overseas. Why are we so far behind, instead of going for a truthful lead to benefit everyone and govt?
Eradicate ignorant and bought off authorities and govt to benefit everyone, including govts, as seen already overseas.
The Echo’s editorial well spells out the need for change, and why.
Smack in the middle of an article on cannabis seizures I got an add for a brewery, the makers of a legal product that has a far greater negative impact on society and leads to the death of roughly 6,000 Australians every year. The lack of reform in this country is embarrassing.
Down the road in Casino the privileged can grow cannabis legally with a $2 million grant from the Major. Legalisation of medicinal cannabis was meant to end unjust criminalisation. It was meant to offer opportunities for traditionally excluded entrepreneurs and marginalised people – But the new medicinal cannabis ‘legalisation’ schemes eliminate those opportunities – and reward those who already enjoy privilege and advantage