Wild garlic thieves held in Germany with 100 kg of bulbs

Six men have been detained in eastern Germany for stealing almost 100 kilograms of wild garlic bulbs, police said on Tuesday, reported dpa.

The six suspects are between the ages of 26 and 39. They are being investigated on suspicion of gang theft, police said.

Three of the suspects were held near Wermsdorf in the eastern state of Saxony after police noticed a strong odour of garlic in their car.

Police found several shopping bags full of wild garlic bulbs and harvesting tools in the boot of the car.

The others were subsequently detained on the outskirts of Leipzig.

The theft of wild garlic bulbs has been an issue for police around Leipzig for many years.

Groups have been caught taking excessive quantities from protected areas, hoping to deliver the crop to customers in the catering trade.

Strict rules apply to the collection of the plant, with only one bunch of leaves per person allowed and a ban on collection in nature reserves.

The wild garlic season usually begins in late February.