Dutch police and the European Space Agency (ESA) are joining forces to search for marijuana plantations hidden in sweet corn fields in Limburg, the Telegraaf daily reported.
In an experiment that is to begin in early 2012, researchers will use high-resolution satellite imagery to read the spectral signature of a marijuana plant and distinguish it from other crops.
Some 8,000 plantations are found in private homes, in commercial properties and in farm sheds every year.
In September 2009 alone, police found seven large and 87 small plantations hidden in sweet corn fields after police flew over the region in a helicopter.
The biggest had 15,000 plants, the paper said.
