Six suspects are behind bars over the illegal cultivation of Indian hemp in the Hohoe district of the Volta Region. The suspects were arrested in a swoop, following the latest discovery and destruction of seven more Indian hemp farms said to be some 40 acres wide. The latest destruction is the second in less than a month after officials of NACOB early on destroyed some 80 acres of Indian-hemp- infested land also located in the Volta Region. Officials at the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) have linked the invasion of Volta Region by some Jamaicans to the increasing cases of Indian hemp cultivation in the region. Mark Ewuntoma, Deputy Executive Secretary of NACOB in an interview with Joy News’ Sammy Darko also admitted that the availability of small rivers have served a fertile grounds for the cultivation of the plant. The seven farms were said to be hiding deep in the forest along the Volta River and under tight security. Police in the region have lamented what they claim were threats of death issued by owners of the farms, showing how precarious the situation is. Mark Ewuntoma said the board must be adequately resourced in order to provide alternative jobs for workers employed as farm hands in the Indian hemp farms. He said there should also be increased education to ensure the diversion of Indian hemp cultivation to food crop production. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com