05/10/2007 00:00:00
UK: Cannabis factory found in bungalow
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A “HIGHLY professional” drugs factory was discovered when police raided
a home in Cranleigh this week.
A tip-off from members of the public alerted detectives, who went to the
detached bungalow in Elmbridge Road on Monday morning.
Police found the front door ajar and discovered what appeared to be a
large scale hydroponics operation to grow cannabis.
There was evidence that people have been living in the bungalow but had
fled before the police arrived.
Officers investigating the case believe they may have disappeared
shortly before the property was raided.
A search of the property was carried out and around 500 cannabis plants
were seized in various rooms, including the loft.
Det Sgt Steve Haines pointed out: “Cannabis cultivation is an increasing
problem in many areas and we do not want it to become established in
West Surrey.
“In this case, the set-up was highly professional and well established
and I would like to thank the members of the community for the vigilance
in identifying the location.
“Local people are likely to be the first to notice unusual activity
which could be a cannabis factory and I would continue to appeal to the
community to report their suspicions.
“We will continue to investigate who is responsible, with the intention
of bringing them before the courts.”
Although police say they were alerted by members of the public,
neighbours expressed their shock at the discovery, saying they had no
idea what was going on.
It is believed the people who had been growing the cannabis moved into
the bungalow three or four months ago.
Meanwhile, the police have explained how members of the public can help
by identifying other possible drugs factories.
If cannabis is being grown indoors there are several possible clues to
the illegal activity. These include:
The windows of the property may be permanently covered from the inside.
Visits to the premises may occur at unusual times of the day or night.
The cannabis or by-products, such as used fertiliser, will be removed in
black bin bags or laundry bags.
Compost bags or gardening equipment may be left outside, usually at the
rear of the premises.
There may be a vent protruding through the roof or a rear window.
There may be a pungent smell emanating from the premises.
There may be noise coming from the equipment in the premises, such as
cooling fans.
The police have stressed that cannabis use is still illegal, with a
maximum of two years’ imprisonment for possession, while for anyone
caught supplying it the maximum sentence is 14 years in jail
http://www.surreyad.co.uk/news/2016/2016012/cannabis_factory_found_in_bungalow
Source:
http://www.ukcia.org/news/shownewsarticle.php?articleid=12890
Author:
via UKCIA
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