Baltic, Latvia, Legislation, Markets and Companies

As reported, last month, after an intensive 18-month effort, SRS agents uncovered the biggest marijuana plantation in Latvia's history.

The specially set up three-building complex is locate in a remote clearing in the woods in Kurzeme's Saldus District.

The plantation was ultimately located during an 18-month investigation of an attempted transport of 3 kg of marijuana across state lines into Estonia.

The complex's barn was the actual place where the plants were grown. The garage had three powerful diesel fuel generators. Cleaning and drying was conducted by "workers" in the farmhouse, who also lived there.

To smother any scents, pigs and chickens were raised at the complex. It was equipped with state-of-the-art security and surveillance systems, and had three guard dogs. SRS agents managed to enter in a surprise raid, along with Defense Ministry specialists.

Two persons were arrested during the raid with limited resistance, and three searches were conducted.

SRS believes that the plantation existed for about three years, the last two were particularly active in production. The marijuana was evidently intended for the Baltic-Scandinavian market.