New software to locate illicit marijuana fields in Turkey

ISTANBUL

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An engineering firm has developed new software to determine the location of marijuana fields and mined areas in Turkey, daily Zaman has reported.

The software is able to determine the location of marijuana plants or minefields by analyzing satellite images, the reports said, noting that the program would also have a number of other features.

A major drug operation that was recently conducted in the southeastern province of Diyarbakır was reportedly carried out with the help of the software, the newspaper reported.

Marijuana fields that have been planted in dispersed areas in a seemingly inconspicuous way are now watched like the house from the TV series “Big Brother,” an engineer from the firm said.

New locations spotted by the software are kept confidential ahead of planned operations.

The software will also be used to locate underground treasures, as well as chemical and biological threats in waters, the reports said.

The engineering firm, whose name has not been released due to safety measures, is reportedly providing training to the Turkish Police Department’s intelligence bureau on the issue.