KBI tells Docking organized crime helps in pot harvest
TOPEKA (UPI) — State and federal law officers told Gov. Robert B. Docking Wednesday they believe there are "definite indications" organized criminal groups are encouraging marijuana harvesting in Kansas.
Agent Merwyn Purdy of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, (KBI), and Regional Director John Windham and Deputy Regional Director George J. O'Connor, of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics and Drugs, Kansas City, Mo., met with the governor.
Docking announced last week he would ask the 1970 legislature to enact legislation to provide a program to eradicate marijuana growing wild in the state.
"They term the extent of the growth of marijuana in the state to be 'serious.' They also believe the problem of a criminal element moving into the state to harvest the marijuana is very real, indeed, and will become worse next year if steps are not taken to control the growth of
marijuana and to eradicate the weed," Docking said.
The governor said the following facts were reported in the meeting:
1. Agent Purdy said that 175 persons have been arrested in Kansas for harvesting marijuana since July 1, 1969. Most of the persons arrested were college age, from out-of-state, and without prior criminal records.
2. Windham said there are "definite indications" organized groups are financing a great many of the harvesters-paying their expenses, and providing bail bond and money for fines. Most of the persons arrested, although they report they are unemployed, are able to post bond, and later pay $1,000 fines, without indicating any sources of income.
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3. Although marijuana which is growing in Kansas—an estimated 52,000 acres—is termed of poor quality, the demand for the Kansas crop is high, Purdy said.
Windham said, "The quality is of no importance, young people today have money. They will pay for marijuana whether it comes from Mexico or Kansas."
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