There are no regulatory controls on ownership or association with a hydroponic shop.

 

But under the proposed legislation, police would be able to inspect the registers of hydroponic shops and the homes of people buying the equipment.

 

"This becomes an additional tool for police in fighting drug-dealing and growing by allowing them to inspect the registers of shops that give addresses of buyers," Mr Brokenshire said.

 

"And therefore they can inspect that property. We would expect the normal checks and balances that police put into other powers they have, so people not involved (in cannabis production) won't have to worry."

 

Mr Brokenshire said when he was police minister he was advised 41 of the 61 hydroponic shops in the Adelaide metropolitan area were operated by people who had recorded criminal involvement in the cultivation or distribution of cannabis.

 

He said 17 of the 61 operators were alleged to be either full members of or linked to outlawed motorcycle gangs.

 

"It is also understood that a number of shops are strategically placed across the metropolitan area and allegedly employ people with drug-related criminal records, or who are suspected of drug-related activity," Mr Brokenshire said. Some hydroponic shops in SA were reportedly recording annual turnovers of more than $1 million.

 

"It is fanciful to believe that such large turnovers are generated purely by avid gardeners trying to grow the perfect lettuce or tomato," he said. "In many cases, police suspect illegal activities are taking place but do not have sufficient powers to monitor and stop them."

 

Police Association of SA president Peter Alexander welcomed the proposal and said current laws were insufficient.

 

"We support that because obviously what has started out as a cottage industry has grown and grown in terms of criminality," he said.

 

"Certainly there's evidence of significant involvement of bikie groups.

 

"The legislation needs to reflect improper use by anybody in terms of drugs, and people with legitimate purposes have nothing to fear."

 

When asked whether police could effectively enforce the proposed legislation, Mr Alexander said police resourcing was another issue entirely.

 

"We're talking to the Government and Opposition about that in the lead-up to the election," he said. "We want it to be at an appropriate level so they can combat these issues.

 

"Obviously there needs to be legislation that gives police the power to do this."