CHOPPER PATROL FINDS MARIJUANA PLANTS

A total of 172 marijuana plants were seized across the Island last
week by members of the L Division, the PEI RCMP drug division.

The plants were located last Thursday during the RCMP's annual fly
over done with the aid of a national department of defense helicopter.

The plants were located simply by sight and no charges will be
laid.

"It's an eradication process," RCMP Corporal Ray McCormack said. "We
simply find the plants and take them."

Plants were uncovered from as far east as Souris, and as far west as
Wellington.

Cpl McCormack said about half of the 172 plants, which were later
destroyed, were discovered in eastern PEI.

"With outdoor plants, you're reaching the end of the growing season,"
he said. "The plants have either been harvested by now or will be
within the next two or three weeks."

Ten officers took part in the search, which lasted about six hours. He
said how the plants are grown, depends on the operation. Some are
large groups of plants and other are scattered amongst other vegetation.

"This would be considered a good year for what we've found," Corporal
McCormack said.

RCMP ask that anyone who notices plants while taking part in summer
outdoor activities to call their local detachment or
Crimestoppers.