Police bust massive Coorong drug crop with almost 100 mature marijuana plants seized

Three large cannabis crops have been seized from a hard-to-reach wildlife sanctuary between the Coorong and the sea – and locals are furious at the damage they’ve caused.

A large drug crop in the state’s South-East has been seized, with almost 100 marijuana plants up to three metres high found in remote bushland.

The plants were found across the Coorong close to the beach near Salt Creek, a popular but hard-to-access fishing destination.

About 10.30am on Tuesday, February 13 police from the Drug and Organised Crime Task Force supported by Water Operations Unit and National Parks and Wildlife conducted a search of the Crown Land.

Police found 98 cannabis plants ranging in size from 1-3 metres tall at three crop growing sites.

Police officers from the Drug and Organised Crime Task Force located 98 cannabis plants across three crop sites within the Coorong. Picture: SAPOL

Police report “considerable damage” had been caused to the natural vegetation as a result of clearing space for the cannabis crops, which has had a negative impact on the biodiversity of the area.

Coorong Partnership member Geoff Gallash – who leads the Coorong Shack Owners Association and has lived in the area for years – told The Advertiser it was disappointing to hear of the vegetation clearing in a delicate environment.

He said a large drug-growing enterprise would be hard to maintain in the area.

“There is really inaccessible terrain around there but it would be hard to spot unless you knew what you were looking for,” he said.

The plants range in size from 1-3 metres tall. Picture: SAPOL

The plants have had a negative impact on native vegetation in the area. Picture: SAPOL

“In amongst the dunes and the scrub – it would be hard to detect … but it would be hard to set up in the first place.”

Detective Chief Inspector David Huddy – who is the Officer in Charge of the Serious and Organised Crime Branch – said the seizure was a result of a collaboration between South Australia Police and National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia.

“The use of Crown Land by criminal groups shows disregard for the natural environment for the sole purpose of trading in illicit drugs,“ he said.

All plants were seized and investigation into the crop remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about drug manufacture or cannabis cultivation is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.