16 March 2007

Police raid seven cannabis farms

The seven "factories" produced hundreds of individual plantsCannabis plants with an estimated street value of £630,000 have been seized across Strathclyde.
More than 2,000 plants were recovered from high value houses in Airdrie, Robroyston, Cambuslang, Clydebank, Battlefield and Budhill, in Glasgow.
Strathclyde Police said seven cannabis cultivations were discovered as a direct response to appeals last month.
Officers urged the public to continue to be on the look out for suspicious activity and the smell of cannabis.
SPOTTING CANNABIS FACTORIES
Windows are permanently covered from the inside
Visits occur at unusual times of the day or night
People often do not live in the premises and only visit
Cannabis or used fertiliser will be removed in bin bags or laundry bags
Compost bags or gardening equipment may be left outside
There may be a pungent smell



Det Ch Supt Stephen Whitelock, director of intelligence for Strathclyde Police, said: "Seven cultivations identified in a three week period indicates the level of concern by law abiding members of our communities."

He said cannabis growth was not a victimless crime and there was a high risk of fire to nearby homes.
"We have established factories in many areas throughout the force area, usually in high value houses in residential areas, sometimes newly built homes," he added.
"The criminals who engage in this type of crime will rent properties in any area and it is our aim to disrupt and dismantle them."
The finds came as part of the force's Operation League, which is aimed at targeting those involved in production.

Information obtained from the BBC NEWS website.