Pubdate: Tue, 06 May 2003
Source: Kentucky Post (KY)
Copyright: 2003 Kentucky Post
Contact:  http://www.kypost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/661
Author: Shelly Whitehead, Post staff reporter
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

POLICE URGE PUBLIC TO WATCH FOR SIGNS OF MARIJUANA ACTIVITY

Newly worn footpaths, cars parked in remote spots or the sound of machinery 
running at night. Kentucky State Police want land owners to stay alert to 
such signs this summer as marijuana growers cultivate their illegal crops, 
often on someone else's property.

Kentucky is one of the nation's top marijuana-producing states, and law 
enforcement annually searches for patches of the unlawful weed and those 
who grow it.

Troopers with the KSP Cannabis Suppression Campaign are asking the public 
to watch for signs of growers.

Marijuana growers typically cultivate the weed in patches of dense 
vegetation on public lands, like the Daniel Boone National Forest, or in 
secluded spots on large farms where they can periodically tend to the crop 
without detection.

State police ask that landowners look for signs like:

.  Worn trails leading to roads, water sources or wooded areas.

.  Cars parked in odd or out-of-the-way places.

.  Machinery sounds or lights coming from secluded spots at night.

.  Signs of trespassing, like scattered trash or newly cut paths.

Police strongly advise against confronting trespassers, particularly since 
marijuana growers are known to carry weapons and often booby trap the areas 
around their crops.

Instead state police want residents to report trespassers or signs of 
possible marijuana cultivation to authorities.

The Cannabis Suppression Campaign allows the public to anonymously report 
pertinent information.

The public can either call a toll-free tip line or mail the information to 
investigators in Lexington.

Tips should include names and residences of suspected growers, their 
residences and the location of their suspected crops.

Residents can call tips into 1-800-367-3847, or mail the information to the 
Cannabis Suppression Unit, Bluegrass Station Bldg. 30, 5751 Briar Hill 
Road, Lexington, Ky. 40516-9721.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager