This footage was filmed and produced 28 March 2024.

In a startling revelation, authorities in Lower Saxony, Germany, have uncovered and dismantled an illegal cannabis plantation, capturing the attention of law enforcement and the public alike. The operation, which unfolded in the Weener area on March 7th, involved specialists from the Papenburg and Essen Customs Offices, who were left astounded by the scale of the illicit endeavor.

Upon arriving at the scene, officials seized approximately 100 cannabis plants, along with a substantial cache of ready-to-use cannabis and dried flowers, totaling 1.2 kilograms (2.6 lbs) and three kilograms (6.6 lbs) respectively. The combined street value of the confiscated contraband is estimated at EUR 42,000 (GBP 35,903), highlighting the lucrative nature of the illegal operation.

The discovery was prompted by keen observations from vigilant officers who detected a suspicious odor emanating from the property days earlier. Utilizing advanced heat sensors, their suspicions were confirmed, leading to a thorough investigation and subsequent issuance of a search warrant by the Aurich Public Prosecutor.

During the search, authorities encountered two individuals of Dutch nationality at the premises, who, despite completion of criminal procedural measures, managed to evade capture and remain at large.

Frank Mauritz, spokesperson for the Main Customs Office Oldenburg, shed light on the potential yield of the seized plants, revealing that each female cannabis plant could yield approximately 50 grams (0.1 lbs) of sellable cannabis. Extrapolating from this, the fully matured harvest of the 94 seized plants could have yielded nearly five kilograms (11 lbs) of cannabis, valued at approximately EUR 50,000 (GBP 42,749).