Thieves target hemp farm, Cannabis plants, illegal firearms seized in Furneaux Islands raid

Thieves who targeted a Tasmanian hemp farm could learn the hard way that crime doesn’t pay, after it was revealed the stolen plants won’t get them high. DETAILS >>

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Industrial hemp plants stolen from research farm

Monday, February 21

The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture says several of its industrial hemp plants were stolen from one of its research farms, but those behind the theft might find their efforts were futile.

The organisation said the hemp plants did not contain enough of the chemical to produce a high.

“We would like to issue a timely reminder that this crop will delivery absolutely no ‘high’ and is similar to agricultural crops such as wheat (which no one has tried to steal before!),” the institute said on its Facebook page.

A crop of hemp at Deloraine in 2018. PICTURE: CHRIS KIDD

“There is a very major difference between industrial hemp (which we are growing) and marijuana or medicinal cannabis.

“Industrial hemp is defined as containing less than 1% of the psychoactive chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is associated with the ‘high’ of marijuana.”

The institute said its research trials are being conducted to support the growth of the industry, with hemp considered a relatively new crop.

The theft is not expected to impact on the research and the trial is continuing as planned.

The incident was reported to Tasmania Police.

Furneaux Islands drug seizure

Monday, February 21

Cannabis plants, drug related items, illegal firearms and a large quantity of ammunition have been seized by police, as part of a police operation searching for illegal cannabis compounds.

The operation, conducted last week, was launched after police received intelligence about illegal commercial cannabis cultivation on the Furneaux Islands.

Cannabis seized by police as part of an operation on the Furneaux Islands. Pic: Tasmania Police

The northern drug services of Tasmania Police used helicopters and drones to search from above, while using police vessels to monitor illegal activity on the water.

Police seized cannabis and ammunition as part of an operation on the Furneaux Islands. Pic: Tasmania Police

Police seized cannabis and ammunition as part of an operation on the Furneaux Islands. Pic: Tasmania Police

Several search warrants were executed in the lead up to the discovery with charges against a Lackrana man for firearm possession and cannabis selling charges.

Several other people will be proceeded against for drug and firearm offences.

“As well as interrupting illegal activity, this operation was about reminding anyone engaging in criminal activity that Tasmania Police is committed to detecting and preventing drug crime, no matter where it’s happening in our state,” Tasmania Police det. insp. Craig Fox said.

Police seized cannabis and ammunition as part of an operation on the Furneaux Islands. Pic: Tasmania Police

The operation was in co-operation with the Australian Federal Police.

Anyone with information about illegal drug activity in Tasmania can provide information anonymously to Tasmania Police or Crime Stoppers.