Forestry police dismantle an illegal marijuana plantation in Brasimato, seizing over 500 plants, investigations underway to identify those responsible
Today, the Carabinieri of the Crotone Forestry Unit discovered and put out of action a large marijuana plantation located in the locality of Brasimato in the municipality of Crotone. The operation took place in a context of intensification of controls, also aimed at preventing forest fires.
The area identified was a clearing within a eucalyptus woodland area, not easily accessible by traditional means, where more than 500 marijuana plants were found. The plants were arranged in different rows with an average height of about 1 meter, occupying a surface area of about 600 square meters. The presence of the inflorescences, used for the production of the narcotic, was evident and clear.
During the operation, an irrigation system consisting of a pump and pipes was also discovered, which allowed water to be supplied to the land from a nearby reservoir, thus optimizing conditions for illegal cultivation. Additionally, a surveillance system installed to monitor the area was identified.
The intervention of the Carabinieri, under the guidance of the Crotone Public Prosecutor’s Office, led to the complete dismantling of the plantation. The operations were supported by the NIPAAF of Crotone, the Carabinieri Station of Scandale and the Forestry Unit of Cirò, which used special agricultural machinery to destroy the plants found.
Investigations are still ongoing to identify and prosecute those responsible for this illicit activity. According to Italian law, the illegal cultivation of narcotic substances is a crime punishable by imprisonment from 6 to 20 years and a fine that can vary from 26 thousand to 260 thousand euros.
This operation prevented the next harvest of marijuana, intended for the production of cannabinoids, which would have generated an illicit profit estimated at around 200 thousand euros.
The blow inflicted by the police on the drug market confirms the constant commitment in the fight against illegal trafficking and drug production on the national territory.
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