Attorney-General Kyam Maher praises new laws giving police more power to crack down on cannabis growers

Tough new laws giving SA Police more power to weed out cannabis growers have passed state parliament, with the Attorney-General wanting to “send a clear message”.

Tough new laws giving SA Police more power to crack down on cannabis growers has passed state parliament this week, with the Attorney-General intent on sending “a clear message”.

Under new laws, the destruction of hydroponics equipment – such as sodium lights, mercury vapour lights and reflectors – can now be carried out by police at the point of seizure, whereas previously, they could only be destroyed after court proceedings.

Attorney-General Kyam Maher said he was “pleased” to see police resources freed up as a result of the new legislation.

Attorney-General Kyam Maher speaking at a press conference. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

“I’m pleased to see state parliament act swiftly in debating this legislation, which will help free up police resources, so that police can be out on the beat protecting our community,” Mr Maher said.

“These changes send a clear message that the illegal production of cannabis will not be tolerated, and people caught doing the wrong thing will have their gear seized and destroyed swiftly.”

Hundreds of pallets containing tens of thousands of items are currently being stored by SA Police, and will be able to be destroyed following the passage of the legislation.

SAPOL will also be able to apply for a court order to recover reasonable costs for destruction – including the costs of collecting, transporting or dismantling the property.

It comes after three men were arrested and charged in drug busts across Adelaide on Monday as a result of a co-ordinated police operation.

Mr Maher says a new law will send a clear message to cannabis growers.

Police said a significant seizure was uncovered at a Semaphore Park home where about 80 kilograms of packaged and loose dried cannabis was found.

A 57-year-old Morphett Vale man was arrested and charged with a number of drug offences including several counts of cultivating cannabis plants, trafficking in a large commercial quantity of a controlled drug, possessing prescribed equipment and diverting electricity.

The man was refused bail and was set to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

A 52-year-old mid-north man and 51-year-old Salisbury East man were also arrested and charged.

Police say investigations are continuing and urge anyone with information on the sale, supply, distribution or manufacture of illicit drugs to contact Crime Stoppers at crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Attorney-General Kyam Maher praises new laws giving police more power to crack down on cannabis growers