29/10/2007 00:00:00
UK: Police warn drug growers: There is nowhere to hide
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"There's nowhere to hide" – that's the message from police clamping down
on illegal factories cultivating cannabis plants worth hundreds of
thousands of pounds in south Lincolnshire.
Earlier this month raids across our area uncovered 600 plants and
hi-tech equipment in Whaplode and Holbeach while another 700 were found
in outbuildings at a farm in Frampton Fen.
Lincolnshire Police say the number of cannabis farms, where rows of
plants are being cultivated in hot-houses kitted out with high intensity
halogen lights, reflective foil on the walls and ventilation ducts
sliced into the ceiling – are on the increase.
Det Supt Roger Bannister said those behind the illegal factories are
decamping from cities to converted family homes in more rural locations
in a bid to avoid detection.
He said: "We are finding an increasing number of locations where
cannabis plants are being cultivated, often in very quiet, isolated and
rural locations.
"We are particularly finding them in places like South Holland and Boston.
"They are quite commonplace in these agricultural areas.
"But that does not mean they are completely off the radar. We do get
intelligence about where they are.
"Even if they are down the bottom of a quiet country road, where there
is not a lot going on, we still find out.
"And that is our message – there is nowhere to hide."
Lincolnshire Police have a serious and organised crime unit but raids
are usually carried out by local officers backed up by dog handlers and
scenes of crime officers.
They go in, shut illegal factories down and seize equipment and plants,
which have a street value of hundreds of thousands of pounds.
If the plants are not seized police say that they could be processed
onsite or taken elsewhere for the purpose. There is no standard practice.
People who use and supply cannabis face tough penalties – up to 14
years' imprisonment for cultivation and dealing.
Det Supt Bannister added that under the Proceeds of Crime Act officers
can seize assets such as vehicles, homes and money from those convicted
of cultivating and dealing in cannabis as part of their punishment.
Telltale signs that a cannabis factory is in operation include strange
smells or unusual comings and goings.
Det Supt Bannister added: "There will be all sorts of suspicious
activity all day and all night with people coming and going as they look
after the plants.
"Often places will be lit at unusual times and possibly through the
night. There will be very high levels of electricity consumption."
Cambridgeshire Police seized more than £3million worth of cannabis
through Operation Keymer, meaning more cannabis has been uncovered in
Peterborough than anywhere else in the country outside London.
http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/Police-warn-drug-growers-39There.3425196.jp
Source:
http://www.ukcia.org/news/shownewsarticle.php?articleid=12967
Author:
Spalding Guardian via UKCIA
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