Michigan law enforcement officers eradicated over 35,586 marijuana plants this year, with an increasing number of them being found in indoor grow operations, the Michigan State Police (MSP) announced following the conclusion of the 2007 Domestic Cannabis Eradication and Suppression Program (DCE/SP), formerly known as Operation H.E.M.P.

Michigan's DCE/SP is a cooperative law enforcement initiative aimed at locating and seizing illegal marijuana plants grown outdoors and in greenhouse-type operations across the state.  The DCE/SP is funded through a grant from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and administered by the MSP.

"Michigan is a popular state for illegal marijuana growing because of its fertile land and remote areas," stated Col. Peter C. Munoz, director of the MSP.  "Marijuana plants are commonly cultivated in farm fields, backyards, forest openings, along drainage ditches, and the shores of lakes, rivers, and swamps."

This year the number of plants found in indoor grow operations more than doubled, from 5,897 in 2006 to 12,388 plants in 2007, which may be an indicator of growers seeking to avoid outdoor detection methods.

Officers also noted that weapons are being discovered with more regularity at most indoor grow sites and often in the homes of suspects responsible for outdoor grow sites.  Officers also encountered the use of surveillance cameras and motion sensors and one outdoor grow site equipped with crude booby traps.

This year, using aviation and marine resources, officers from the MSP, DEA, U.S. Park Service, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Coast Guard, multijurisdictional drug task forces, and many local agencies teamed up for a four-day effort dubbed "Operation Island Hopper."  The effort targeted the remote islands in Lake Michigan off the Upper Peninsula and northwest Lower Peninsula that have been the sites for outdoor grow operations. 

Other statistics include:

Total Activity: January 1 - December 1, 2007

 Total Activity: January 1 - December 1, 2006

To report a suspected marijuana-growing site, call 1-800-235-HEMP (4367).  Callers can remain anonymous.  Individuals should not attempt to take action themselves, but should report the site as soon as possible.