Indiana Conservation Officers Cracking Down on Ginseng Thefts

Indiana Conservation Officers have been actively tracking down folks who've been trespassing and stealing ginseng, with some cases beginning as early as this spring.

If you grew up in the Midwest, you've likely heard of ginseng. This highly sought-after plant can be found throughout Indiana and was sold for as much as $700 per pound in 2022, according to that year's annual ginseng report. While no license is required to harvest or grow ginseng, a dealer license is needed for those buying and selling it. In recent months, Indiana Conservation Officers have been cracking down on trespassers stealing the root and reminding Hoosiers to be aware of their surroundings.

What is Ginseng?

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), ginseng was discovered in the mountains of northern China more than 5,000 years ago. It was initially used mainly for food but later became popular for medicinal purposes. Three species of the plant currently exist, including Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), Chinese ginseng (Panax notoginseng), and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius).

North American pioneers both used and traded American ginseng in the early 18th century. In fact, the root was exported to China as early as 1717 and remains a major export in 2024. According to WebMD, ginseng can help the immune system, regulate blood sugar, improve focus, and even reduce inflammation. It can be found in a variety of everyday products, including toothpaste, soap, baby food, candy, beverages, cigarettes, and gum.

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Ginseng Thefts in Indiana

The Indiana DNR Division of Law Enforcement recently issued a reminder on social media, asking folks to be vigilant about individuals sneaking around on their property. Indiana Conservation Officers report that they have been busy tracking down individuals—some of whom are repeat offenders—who are trespassing and stealing ginseng. Many of these individuals are also reported to be involved in drug use, trafficking, and other criminal activities. On August 30, one investigation led to the seizure of 22.6 pounds of ginseng, which resulted in criminal charges.

If you see suspicious individuals or activity on your property or your neighbor’s property, you can call ICO Central Dispatch at (812) 837-9536. All callers can remain anonymous. You can learn more about ginseng and its regulations in the Hoosier State HERE.