While I feel for the LEO's that got hurt, this is what happens when you spend more time going after a not terribly dangerous substance that you've criminalized, instead of pursuing REAL crime, like murder, rape, and terrorism.
Isn't this stuff the biggest unofficial cash crop of the region anyhow? Was probably some locals trying to protect their investment. Ginseng farmers also have to deal with rustlers stealing their roots, and have resorted to similiar methods.
It's all about economics, and nothing more...
Woops..sorry about the double posting...someone must have boobytrapped my keyboard :)
Having been a ginseng dealer/grower for many years, I am aware of the theft problem of these valuable crops. I doubt if any ginseng growers have resorted to using claymore mines and/or explosive devices to protect their roots.
Motion detectors, remote video cameras, alert and aggressive canines and trip wires are the most commonly used protection methods.
There was an incident in KY 2 years ago where a poacher was shot and killed. I suspect the owner/shooter is now pondering his thoughtless decision from a jail cell.
I fully agree with you that pot should be de-criminalized and the efforts of LEO's could be directed toward more serious "crimes".
Spending most of my time in the woods this time of year, I am constantly being buzzed by the low flying pot planes and have shown them on many occasions my bare butt. The cost of maintaining these planes, man hours, prosecution of the "criminals" and the following incarceration runs into millions of ill-spent taxpayer dollars.
So far, the agents have found a grand total of 32 "maturing" plants! No suspects, no arrests. It would make more sense to just buy it from the drug dealers on the street and avoid the dangers of tree-top flying and booby trapped plants.
If the government agencies want to make us feel safe (as they were hired to do) maybe the National Guard should be reassigned to our borders and begin arresting the wave after wave of potential terrorists that are entering our country.
If you'd like to learn more about growing American Ginseng and the ginseng trade in America click here
http://www.catskillginseng.com