An Australian man has called the police on his father for setting fire to his crop of cannabis plants.

Police were called to a home in the Northern Territory on Tuesday evening by an “indignant and enraged” young man who said he’d had a fight with his dad.

“As retribution his father burnt the son’s prized cannabis plants in a bonfire on the property,” said Duty Supt Louise Jorgensen. “The son felt this was wrong and reported the matter to police.”

Officers attended the Humpty Doo residence, 40km south of Darwin, and confirmed the accusation, before questioning whether the young man knew it was against the law to possess cannabis.

“He seemed to believe that the destruction of the same was far worse than the possession in the first instance,” said Jorgensen.

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act the possession and cultivation of cannabis in the Northern Territory is a criminal offence. Police have discretion to issue an on the spot fine for “personal use” of cannabis but it is illegal to grow, supply, sell, possess or consume cannabis.

No charges have been laid against the young man, said Jorgensen. “The evidence has been destroyed. Along with his reputation.”

According to police the son had been fighting with his father since moving from interstate a short time ago. He has now moved in with other relatives.