Brazil Federal Police destroy 36,000 marijuana plants

A plantation with 36,000 marijuana plants was destroyed by the Federal Police in Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil. The case attracted attention due to the sophisticated cultivation. The water system had two kilometers pipeline to collect water. The operation was launched on September 20, but was only released today (Sep. 27).

According to the Federal Police communication advisory, the plantation was discovered due to complaints. The landowner and a farmer were arrested in flagrante delicto, both of them had no criminal records. The farmer remains in prison. The landowner received a release order the day after the arrest, and will be on release during proceedings.

Police officers were surprised at the structure used to enhance cultivation, located in the rural area of Pernambuco, because of the investment made in infrastructure. A system of electric pumps collected water from Riacho do Pau Dam and took it to small weirs. Two kilometer pipelines were used to collect water. Chemical fertilizers and other agricultural equipment were also used in cultivation.

Cultivation

One aspect attracted Federal Police's attention—the region is not traditionally chosen for marijuana cultivation at such scale, which would indicate a migration of illegal activity within Pernambuco state, located in the region known as "marijuana polygon." "Generally, it's by the riverside communities on the outback by the São Francisco river," noted the police.

At the end of the operation, the Federal Police cut down all marijuana plants and incinerated them. The total amount would produce 12 tons of the plant after prepared for sale. They have also destroyed 120 kilos that were already bagged for distribution.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta