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HEMP OPERATION TAKES TO THE AIR

State police spotted marijuana plants growing in Exeter Township Monday.

Michigan State Police got a bird's-eye view of Monroe County Monday during an annual marijuana plant uprooting operation.

Using a helicopter to see from above, undercover agents directed officers on the ground to plots of pot plants growing amid the county's crops.

Lt.  Luke Davis of the Office of Monroe Narcotics Investigations ( OMNI ) said 14 plants were found at Ferder and Scofield Rds.  in a rural section of Exeter Township just west of Maybee.

The MSP chopper flew above the county for about five hours Monday in the first of what could be several flights for Operation HEMP, or Help Eliminate Marijuana Plants.  The program is designed to eradicate pot plants that people grow among corn.

Normally suspects are not developed because it's difficult to prove who planted the weed.  Moreover, HEMP is designed specifically for eradication.

Marijuana is clearly seen by the naked eye from above because of its distinct green color.  When crews in the chopper spot growing pot, they notify officers on the ground and direct them to the illegal plants.

The location near Maybee was the only plot discovered Monday.  The plants were young, about three feet tall, Lt.  Davis said.  Additional operations are expected later this year, he added.