Twenty-five southern Indiana residents face charges following multiple investigations into illegal ginseng harvesting. Indiana Conservation Officers, during the past month, targeted ginseng violations in Operational District Eight, and arrested or cited individuals in Orange, Martin, Washington, Clark, Harrison and Scott counties.
Conservation Officer Jim Schreck said the investigation is continuing and a list of those arrested or cited is not yet available.
Acting on tips, conservation officers executed multiple search warrants and seized several pounds of illegal ginseng. Additionally, several illegal drugs were seized and a stolen handgun was recovered.
Indiana Conservation Officers used their canine units to track suspects and locate evidence, in addition to conducting surveillance throughout these investigations. Several leads were developed and investigations are continuing.
Wild ginseng is a plant sought for its root, valued anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per pound, which is then sold to licensed dealers, who often export it to other countries. Legal ginseng harvest season runs from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, and harvest restrictions also apply.
© 2024 TMNews.com, Bedford, IN.