Greek Police Uproot Massive Cannabis Farm on Cornfield

Greek police seized over 8,300 illegally grown cannabis plants on a corn farm, arresting a 44-year-old involved in a criminal drug operation. This bust indicates ongoing challenges in illegal recreational cannabis production, despite legalization for medical use. EU sees local cultivation as a significant issue.

In a significant drug bust, Greek authorities have eradicated more than 8,300 illicit cannabis plants illegally grown on a corn farm in central Greece. The operation, hailed as one of the largest of its kind in the country, saw officials uprooting around 1,300 plants while approximately 7,000 more were destroyed due to entangled roots with the corn crop.

Authorities have detained a 44-year-old farm owner, charging him with illegal cannabis cultivation and drug trafficking, linked to a criminal syndicate. Police estimate that this operation aimed to generate an illegal profit of 15 million euros, based on the number of cannabis plants involved.

Despite Greece legalizing cannabis for medical use in 2017 and lifting a production ban in 2018, recreational use remains illegal. According to the European Union Drugs Agency, cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug, mainly cultivated locally within the EU. Recent police operations in the Western Balkans have shown a marked reduction in herbal cannabis seizures, hinting at growing domestic production issues within the EU bloc.

(With inputs from agencies.)