SA Police already has the power to authorise the destruction of seized cannabis plants and dangerous drug equipment.

Previously, SAPOL was only able to destroy hydroponics equipment such as sodium lights, mercury vapour lights and reflectors once court proceedings were finalised, meaning a large part of evidence storage is dedicated to housing equipment for a prolonged period that is of little evidentiary use in the proceedings themselves.

Under the new laws, destruction of hydroponics equipment can be authorised at the point of seizure, saving time, transport and storage costs.

Hundreds of pallets containing tens of thousands of items are currently being stored by SA Police, and will be able to be destroyed following the passage of this legislation.

SA Police will also be able to apply for a court order to recover reasonable costs for destruction, including the costs of collecting, transporting or dismantling the property as may reasonably be required for the purposes of destruction.