NCJ Number
142662
Date Published
1993
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The Kentucky Governor's Marijuana Strike Task Force found that marijuana growth in the State remained widespread in 1992; plants were discovered and destroyed in all 120 Kentucky counties.
Abstract
The Task Force's mission was to coordinate the efforts of Federal, State, and local agencies in locating and destroying as much marijuana as possible, prosecuting growers and dealers, and seizing any assets upon conviction. The Task Force grew from 15 to 18 agencies in 1992, although most field eradication was still done by the Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky National Guard. Air support was the single most effective weapon used by the Task Force. During 1992, over 5,000 helicopter hours and 1,700 fixed-wing hours were flown. An effort was also made to raise public awareness of Task Force activities and to enlist public support. Nearly 923,000 marijuana plants were eradicated from 8,554 plots in 1992, a 10 percent increase over 1991. The largest find was in Mercer County where 180,000 plants were destroyed in two plots that covered more than 6 acres. The estimated street value of all plants destroyed in 1992 was over $1.3 billion. Task Force operations resulted in the arrest of 558 individuals, the seizure of 31 weapons, and the discovery of 76 booby traps. The extent of marijuana growth in Kentucky is discussed, and specific Task Force activities are detailed. Tables and photographs