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Last updated on Friday, September 5, 2014
(UNDATED) - Twenty-five southern Indiana residents face charges following multiple illegal ginseng investigations by Indiana Conservation Officers.
During the past month, conservation officers targeted ginseng violations in Operational District Eight, and arrested or cited individuals in Clark, Harrison, Martin, Orange, Scott, and Washington Counties.
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 utilized their K-9 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 $1000.00 per pound, which is then sold to licensed dealers, who often export it to other countries.
Legal ginseng harvest season runs from September 1 to December 31, and harvest restrictions also apply; Visit https://secure.in.gov/dnr/naturepreserve/8235.htm for more information on ginseng regulations.
Citizens are urged to report natural resource violations by calling Indiana Conservation Officers' Central Dispatch at 812-837-9536, or the anonymous tip line at 1-800-TIPIDNR.
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