Detecting marijuana plantations in rural area proves to be an uphill battle for law enforcement
Well, of course it is. You’re looking for a plant from a helicopter. The article makes the hunt for marijuana gardens seem like a Jackie Chan movie, but of course it doesn’t mention the millions of dollars such an endeavor requires: the salaries of “special agents” not to mention the use of choppers to spot the plants.
“I’ve got dope,” Plantaric’s voice crackles through the headsets. The pilot banks, hesitates, and settles lower, as treetops thrash beneath the beating rotors.
A powerful smell fills the helicopter cabin — musk and mint and lemongrass and freshly mowed lawn, all mixed together with a touch of sweetness. Below, what seemed to be a solid forest canopy is suddenly full of fissures. Under the trees, bright green cannabis plants are everywhere:
It goes into information mode a bit later, but only to point the finger at the growers, at the Mexicans, at the marijuana smokers or whoever else is handy. The real issue is prohibition, which drives up prices to entice farmers to grow pot instead of food, inspire organized crime, and encourage deadly and radical methods of defending their livelihoods outside the law.