In this Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, file photo, a flower nearly ready for harvest sits atop a mature marijuana plant at the Pioneer Production and Processing marijuana growing facility in Arlington, Washington. In Australia, where possession of marijuana is prohibited, a man called the police after his father burned his weeds. AP Photo
SYDNEY, Australia — An “enraged” Australian man phoned police to complain that his father had burned his prized marijuana plants, authorities said Wednesday.
Northern Territory police said the man called them on Tuesday evening from Humpty Doo, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Darwin, to report he had a fight with his father.
“As retribution his father burnt the son’s prized marijuana plants in a bonfire on the property,” duty superintendent Louise Jorgensen said in a Facebook post.
“The son felt this was wrong and reported the matter to police. Officers attended and confirmed that was indeed the case.”
Police did not give the ages of the men involved, but said the son had been in conflict with his father ever since he moved back to the Northern Territory a short while ago.
“Things came to a head yesterday evening and that’s when the contraband was destroyed,” Jorgensen said.
“The son was indignant and enraged. It was questioned whether he was aware that possession of marijuana was unlawful and he could be liable to prosecution for the same.
“He seemed to believe that the destruction of the same was far worse than the possession in the first instance.”
Police said no charges had been laid.
“The evidence has been destroyed,” admitted Jorgensen, confirming that the son was now living elsewhere.
The post sparked lively comments on Facebook, with one person suggesting the police should have brought beers and munchies to the bonfire.
“What a twit!” said another user. “He should be arrested for stupidity.”