Germany: Police sniff out illicit wild garlic operation – DW – 02/04/2025
www.dw.com
Police in eastern Germany followed their nose to discover an illegal plant harvesting ring. Officers seized a large quantity of wild garlic — a protected springtime plant that is used in the catering industry.

Summary

Police in Saxony, Germany, uncovered an illegal wild garlic harvesting ring, seizing 100 kg of bulbs worth thousands of euros.

Six suspects, including repeat offenders, were caught in two separate vehicles with bags of the protected plant.

Wild garlic, prized in cooking, can only be collected in small amounts for personal use under German law. Large-scale theft is a recurring issue.

The suspects are now under investigation for gang theft.

  • @NOT_RICKEnglish
    18•6 hours ago

    They turned to stop and inspect the vehicle and noticed a pungent smell coming from the trunk. They asked the three Russian national occupants, aged 27, 29 and 39, to open it up.

    This has me imagining some type of spoof comedy about the Russian mob and their illegal wild garlic harvests going up against the Mexican cartels and their avocado racket.