Cannabis plantations discovered in Hautes-Pyrénées

Gendarmes in the Hautes-Pyrénées region have discovered three separate cannabis plantations near Bagnères-de-Bigorre within a few weeks. In two of the instances, law enforcement was alerted by the characteristic odor of the drug.

The first discovery on September 29 involved a property where investigators seized 5.2 kg of cannabis, 118 grams of seeds, and various cultivation equipment including tents, lamps, and fertilizers. A couple involved in the incident will face legal proceedings under the authority of the Tarbes prosecutor.

On October 6, a second discovery occurred at a residence in a nearby village, where a man in his fifties was found with 3.5 kg of dried cannabis heads and 270 grams of green heads. The individual claimed the cultivation was for personal consumption.

A third plantation was subsequently found in the Baronnies sector, this time grown under a greenhouse. A man in his forties was arrested at the scene. Authorities are investigating whether these operations were intended for personal use or illegal trafficking.