In Austria, about three cannabis plantations are seized every day. The researchers arrive at about two tons per year. But in 2023, 50 percent of this quota has already been met – by a single case (see also video above).
About two tons of cannabis are seized in Austria each year. This was reported by Daniel Lichtenegger, head of the Federal Criminal Investigation Office for Drug Crime. According to the researcher, cannabis remains the most popular drug. “We grow 1,000 plantations a year,” says Lichtenegger. Only on Wednesday did the Viennese police report that more than a ton of cannabis had been seized.
“That is an extraordinarily high amount,” says Lichtenegger about the discovery by the Viennese police. After all, the Austrian average is three plantations per day. The drug detectives of the Vienna Criminal Investigation Department have seized a ton and 60 kilograms of cannabis and gold ducats worth almost 300,000 euros in a joint operation during raids in Vienna and Lower Austria.
Drugs worth millions
According to the headquarters of the Vienna State Police, the street value of the drug is about 4.2 million euros. On Wednesday there was talk of a whole truck that was needed to transport the amount of drugs. In two halls totaling 2,000 square meters, the perpetrators carried out a highly professional production of cannabis with a division of labor, it said.
Nothing was known about the quality of the herb on Wednesday. The median of cannabis today is around nine percent THC in forensics. However, outliers are also possible, according to the criminal.
“The maximum values can also be above 50 percent,” he said. According to him, cannabis available on the street today usually contains between 10 and 20 percent THC. “The quality is certainly better today than ten years ago, also because there are now highly industrialized production facilities,” says Lichtenegger.
Cannabis is the most popular drug
According to Lichtenegger, the police speak of industrial cannabis production from a quantity of 1000 plants. “Below that there are the categories large from 500 plants and medium from 250,” says Lichtenegger.
Cannabis is not only the most popular drug in Austria. “We see that internationally – cannabis is still number one.” Then cocaine and heroin follow. “The amount we bring in here is between 60 and 100 kilos per year.”
That is “worrying, because opioids like heroin can quickly lead to death.” The lead researcher emphasized that the trend for synthetic drugs such as crystal meth in Austria is also pointing upwards. That is also worrying.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
