New laws have taken effect in South Australia aimed at cracking down on hydroponic cannabis crops.
The legislation targets sellers of hydroponic equipment, with staff required to submit to character checks.
SA Police Minister Michael Wright says people who cultivate cannabis are the target, including bikie gang members.
“The new laws are an Australian first. From today, well there’ll be a transitional period of three months but you’ll need to apply to the Police Commissioner for a licence to operate,” he said.
“In part it is certainly aimed at bikie gangs because the evidence is there that they are involved in the hydroponic cultivation of large quantities of cannabis.
“People growing tomatoes, flowers, things like that won’t be affected.”
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/01/2832676.htm