Authorities Torch 20 Tons Of Cannabis – Get The Whole Town High

Key Takeaways:

• Massive Cannabis Burn Sickens Town: Burning 20 tons of cannabis in Lice caused widespread health issues like nausea, dizziness, and hallucinations among its 25,000 residents.

• Criticism Over Disposal Methods: Experts slammed authorities for burning drugs near a populated area, calling it unprofessional and dangerous.

• Ongoing Effects and No Formal Complaints: Residents are still suffering from symptoms days later, but no official complaints have been filed yet.

Residents of Lice, a town of 25,000 in eastern Turkey, found themselves involuntarily high after authorities burned 20 tons of seized cannabis on April 18—an event that blanketed the area in thick, intoxicating smoke for days.

The large-scale drug disposal, carried out by the Lice District Gendarmerie Command, left the town grappling with side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and hallucinations. Health issues quickly became widespread, sparking outrage among locals exposed to the smoke without warning.

“Just as passive smoking harms people in closed spaces, the smoke from burning narcotics can cause severe discomfort, intoxication, and hallucinations,” explained Yahya Oger, President of the Green Star Association, a group focused on combating addiction, in an interview with local media.

Even five days after the burn, residents reported persistent symptoms. “We can’t open our windows because the smell is unbearable,” said a resident who asked to remain anonymous. “Our children are getting sick, and we’re constantly rushing to the hospital. This happens every year.”

Cannabis Burn Worth Over $260 Million

Authorities incinerated cannabis valued at approximately 10 billion Turkish Lira ($261 million), a haul resulting from 226 anti-drug operations conducted earlier in 2024. The burning process itself involved using 200 liters of diesel fuel to ignite the massive stash.

In a move that further angered residents, officials arranged the drug packages to spell out “Lice” before lighting them on fire—an act Oger criticized as “unacceptable” and “lacking professionalism.”

“While the anti-narcotics operations are crucial in fighting drug production and distribution, burning such quantities near populated areas is reckless,” Oger emphasized. He recommended that future drug disposals be carried out in specialized facilities equipped with filtered chimneys or in remote areas far from civilians.

The Green Star Association has offered to provide drug awareness training to law enforcement agencies and schools, hoping to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Despite the chaos and ongoing health concerns, no official complaints have been lodged with the Green Star Association. However, media outlets and local organizations continue to receive numerous reports of illnesses tied to the incident.

The anti-narcotics operations leading to the seizure resulted in legal action against 1,941 individuals, according to a statement from the governor’s office.