Aerial pot search underway across Martha’s Vineyard

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In this 2012 file photo, an Army helicopter searches for pot on Martha's Vineyard. — File photo by Ralph Stewart

Updated Wednesday, 5 pm

State and federal police officials began a helicopter search of the Island Tuesday as part of a drug enforcement effort designed to find cultivated marijuana plants in hidden locations.

The aerial search by an Air National Guard helicopter, in conjunction with Island police departments, has become an almost annual occurrence.

State Police said they confiscated approximately 100 plants. There were no arrests.

In one operation several years ago, police raided 13 different locations in West Tisbury, Tisbury, and Chilmark.