POT HARVEST NETS 24,000 PLANTS

Drug Agents, National Guard Attack Marijuana

MADISON,--The Dane County Narcotics and Gang Task Force, along with members
of the National Guard, spent this morning destroying thousands of wild
marijuana plants.

The task force destroyed about 24,000 wild marijuana plants today, so people
won't find the plants and try to use for illegal purposes, WISC-TV reported.

Area farmers cultivated the hemp to use in military supplies during World
War I and II. Remnants of these war efforts remain today -- in one case as
an entire marijuana-covered hillside on a western Dane County farm.

It was a sight, and a mission, National Guard member Nathan Olson hardly
expected to be part of.

"We had no idea -- we were told to come to the armory at 7 (a.m.) and divide
up the Humvees," Olson told WISC-TV. "We just got briefed this morning, we
really didn't know."

Eradicating the drug is a service that's helping the war against drugs.

"I have nieces and nephews and I don't want getting into this," National
Guard member Melissa Breihan said. "It's helping out everybody."

Law enforcement officers said the Guard's help is much appreciated.

"Having a larger group of people doing a coordinated effort just allows us
to get through the areas faster," Sgt. Mark Twombly, left, told WISC-TV.

"We'll probably be out next summer doing the same thing," Twombly said.

The plants will be burned at an undisclosed location.

Report Drug Activity:

Report illegal drug activity online.

http://www.co.dane.wi.us/shrf/drugtips.html

DANE COUNTY NARCOTICS & GANG TASK FORCE

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett