Police pursing poppy theft after crims collect crop

Police are investigating the theft of a “significant quantity” of poppy capsules from a regulated crop in the Northern Midlands between Tunbridge and Campbell Town.

Authorities said the theft took place in the evening between January 9 and 12.

“It is believed that a vehicle or multiple vehicles were parked adjacent to the crop during this period and would have been visible from the Midland Highway,” police said.

“Police are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have observed a Black VW Golf parked on the side of the highway near poppy crops or motorists passing through this area who were operating a dash camera at the time.”

The Department of Health says that poppy plants are toxic and ingestion can be life-threatening and should be treated as an emergency.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania at www.crimestopperstas.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.