GARDAI GO HI-TECH TO FIND CANNABIS FARMS

GARDAI are to consider the use of satellite or aircraft infrared
detection after discovering that marijuana-growing operations are
sprouting up all over the country.

So far at least five of the operations have been uncovered -- but
gardai believe there may be dozens or even a 100 more. The marijuana
cultivation operations have come to light following a major operation
by the PSNI which uncovered 65 of the cultivation operations run from
rented houses in the North.

Sources say satellite infrared technology was used there and in
Britain. Gardai are not certain if there is any direction connection
between the home-growing operations in the Britain and in Ireland.

The profits are spectacular as the price of cannabis and herbal
cannabis has risen in recent years.

Police in Scotland last year uncovered 143 of the plant-growing
operations in rented houses and estimated the annual turnover at
around