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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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Australia: Crackdown on dope equipment dealers Edith Bevin Northern Territory News Tuesday 13 Apr 2004 The Territory's hydroponic equipment suppliers may be forced to undergo criminal history checks and keep stringent records of who they sell to. Territory police have told the Northern Territory News that they are looking at ''a number of hydroponic suppliers'' over their suspected role in the cultivation of drugs. One Darwin supplier has already been summonsed over his alleged role in supplying equipment for growing cannabis. "We suspect that there are some hydroponics suppliers involved or assisting in the illicit manufacture of drugs,'' Drug Squad Senior Sergeant Les Martin. Drug squad sources said they had anecdotal evidence of hydroponic suppliers helping their clients set up equipment specifically to grow cannabis. The Government last night would not rule out following in the footsteps of South Australia where a private member's bill is set to make things tougher for hydroponic suppliers. Under the SA private member's bill hydroponic suppliers would have to apply for a special licence. The conditions of the licence could restrict anyone with an illicit drug or criminal history, including outlaw motorcycle gang members, from entering the hydroponics industry, Shops would also be forced to keep detailed records of all transactions. Clare Martin's Government has already introduced the toughest drug laws in the Territory's history. The NT News understands that those laws are currently under review to see if any loopholes in the legislation need tightening. Police Minister Paul Henderson said police have not raised the issue of hydroponic suppliers with the Government. But he said if may be an area they would look at with police in the future. In the Territory hydroponic cannabis is the most commonly used and sought-after variety. Hydroponic cultivation offers a number of advantages to dope growers including higher yields and a perception of a reduced risk of detection. Hydroponic crops can vary in size and sophistication from a small number of plants to large-scale production involving the conversion of residential homes and shipping containers. Northern Territory News
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