Apparently landmarks and destinations are not the only thing one can find on Google Earth. The Swiss police used the service recently to find a giant field of Marijuana. Police said they arrested 16 people and confiscated 1.1 tons (1.2 US tons) of marijuana as well as cash and valuables worth 900,000 Swiss francs ($780,000).

Officers found the hemp field in the northeastern canton (state) of Thurgau last year while investigating an alleged drug ring, said the head of Zurich police’s specialist narcotics unit Norbert Klossner.

The plantation, almost 2 acres in size was concealed inside a corn field. After discovering the suspects address the cops used google earth to take a closer look, and sure enough they spotted the canabis.

“It was an interesting chance discovery,” said Klossner.

Prosecutor Gabi Alkalay told reporters in Zurich that she plans to complete her criminal investigation in February, after which she will formally charge the 16 suspects and ask for prison sentences for all of them.

The gang is alleged to have sold up to 7 tons (7.7 US tons) of hashish and marijuana between 2004 and 2008, with an annual profit of 3-10 million francs a year, authorities said.

I suppose Google is good for more than just searching the web after all.