Tasmania Police raise alarm over poppy theft near New Norfolk

POLICE have issued a warning after the theft of thebaine poppies from a farm near New Norfolk.

The illegal possession of poppy products carries substantial penalties for offenders.

POLICE have issued a warning after the theft of thebaine poppies from a farm near New Norfolk.

Drug squad detectives, supported by the Poppy Advisory and Control Board, are investigating the theft, which took place between December 2 and December 10.

“A significant amount of the state’s poppies are high in thebaine but low in other opiates,” Detective Acting Inspector Craig Joel said.

“Thebaine is a toxic substance and the death of a young man earlier this year at Oatlands and another in 2012 at Lewisham show how tragic the consequences can be if poppies are misused.

“Trespassing on poppy fields and the possession of poppies and poppy products is illegal, with substantial penalties for offenders.

“There is no difference in appearance between thebaine and morphine poppies, and while the theft of poppies from poppy farms is traditionally sporadic, there is still a need to raise awareness of misusing the poppies.”

Anyone with information or anyone offered poppies or poppy products is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.