Photo: Albert Road Cannabis Farm
Merseyside Police has launched an investigation after the discovery of a cannabis farm in Southport today (Monday, 3 August).
At about 11.30am this morning (Monday, 3 August), a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant was executed at a premises on Albert Road following information received from the community.
Officers found 108 cannabis plants – with a street value of around £432,000 – in two rooms in the basement of the property. Sophisticated hydroponic growing equipment was also seized and the property was made safe by Scottish Power.
A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: “Cannabis cultivation by criminal gangs can cause serious harm in our communities. Criminal groups involved in the cultivation of cannabis are usually involved in other serious organised crime and they often rent residential properties such as this.
“The growing of cannabis also brings dangers to neighbouring properties. Cannabis farms are a serious fire risk. Those who set up these farms often tamper with the electricity meters to take electricity, and there will generally be a number of hot lamps hooked to overloaded electricity sockets and an extensive watering system.”
Some of the signs that cannabis is being grown are:
• Strange smells and sounds
• Frequent and varied visitors to a property, often at unusual times
• Gardening equipment being taken into a property, such as plant pots, fertiliser, fans and industrial lighting
• Windows are sealed and covered or the curtains are permanently closed
• Heat from an adjoining property
• Birds gathering on a roof in cold weather
• Individually these activities may seem commonplace, however, together may indicate something more sinister
Anyone with any information can call Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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