HEMP OPERATION TAKES TO THE AIR

State police spotted marijuana plants growing in Exeter Township Monday.

Michigan State Police got a bird's-eye view of Monroe County Monday during
an annual marijuana plant uprooting operation.

Using a helicopter to see from above, undercover agents directed officers on
the ground to plots of pot plants growing amid the county's crops.

Lt. Luke Davis of the Office of Monroe Narcotics Investigations (OMNI) said
14 plants were found at Ferder and Scofield Rds. in a rural section of
Exeter Township just west of Maybee.

The MSP chopper flew above the county for about five hours Monday in the
first of what could be several flights for Operation HEMP, or Help Eliminate
Marijuana Plants. The program is designed to eradicate pot plants that
people grow among corn.

Normally suspects are not developed because it's difficult to prove who
planted the weed. Moreover, HEMP is designed specifically for eradication.

Marijuana is clearly seen by the naked eye from above because of its
distinct green color. When crews in the chopper spot growing pot, they
notify officers on the ground and direct them to the illegal plants.

The location near Maybee was the only plot discovered Monday. The plants
were young, about three feet tall, Lt. Davis said. Additional operations are
expected later this year, he added.