Peak Time For Marijuana Harvest

[420AM&PM]

You can expect to see lots of pumpkins and cranberries this autumn, but it's also the season for another, less family-friendly plant. Investigators say the next few weeks will be peak time for Marijuana growers to bring in their crops.

Marathon County busted six operations last year, the largest, with about 130 plants. Investigators use a lot of methods to track down growers, including tips from neighbors, and hikers and hunters this time of year.

Some things you can look out for are vehicles parked in suspicious places, empty fertilizer bags, five-gallon pails for watering or harvesting, a foot trail or path. But don't expect to stumble over a field of Marijuana plants.

"What they try to do is camouflage the plants as best as possible by having just small groups growing together rather than one large plot," said Lt. Scott Parks of the Marathon County Sheriff's Department.

The plants could be close to a water source, or a road for easy access, but Lt. Parks says they've also seen some in city limits. In that case, you might look for windows blocked off, or a suspicious odor.

And if you do see something, don't get too close. Take a good look, then call law enforcement.

Lt. Parks says growers could be busted for manufacturing and delivering a controlled substance. It's a minimum of five years in prison, but penalties could go up from there.


Newshawk: 420AM&PM - 420 Magazine
Source: WSAW (Wausau, WI)
Pubdate: September 23, 2006
Author: Alison Struve
Copyright: Copyright © 2002-2006
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