08/01/2008 00:00:00
UK: Re-Wiring Job Sends Dope Up in Smoke
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A House which went partially up in smoke near Fforestfach Cross was
being used as a cannabis factory, according to police.Fire crews put out
the blaze in the mid-terrace property at 18 Ravenhill Road on Sunday
afternoon, and doused neighbouring homes with water to stop flames
spreading.
But it has now emerged that the home was being used to grow an
especially potent form of cannabis.
The cause of the fire is believed to be the result of tampering with the
electricity supply in order to power specialist equipment to grow the
plants.
Police are now trying to trace the property's residents - and warn that
lives were put at risk by the illegal activity.
Inspector Bryan Heard said: "We were called when smoke was seen coming
from the premises and it was believed people were on the premises.
"When we attended, it became evident it was being used for the
cultivation of cannabis, but nobody has yet been arrested.
"The way that this premises was being used involved electricity being
diverted illegally in a dangerous manner.
"Our biggest concern is for the protection of life, and if the fire
service had not been able to control the fire there was a serious risk
to life, so we are treating this extremely seriously."
Five rooms of the house were being used for the cultivation of cannabis,
involving the use of bright hydroponic lighting systems requiring high
levels of electricity.
The fire broke out in the kitchen area, and was contained there by fire
crews, who sent four engines to the incident.
Police have since removed a "significant" amount of cannabis from the
property, and say a further amount was destroyed by fire.
County commander of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Andrew
Francis said: "We are particularly concerned for the protection of life
due to the way these premises was being operated and electricity
diverted from the supply."
Officers are now carrying out forensic and DNA analysis as part of their
investigations.
One neighbour said: "You could not see anything before, but after the
fire you could see the cannabis plants and the equipment through the
windows.
"They were lined up in rows."
Police are now calling on neighbours or anyone who may have information
about the occupants of the house to come forward.
Mr Heard added: "If anyone suspects such activity, they should contact
police. It might mean there is a lot of unusual activity with people
going back and forth to a property, or there may be the exclusion of
light which does not show from outside the premises, with windows
boarded up, or it may generate more heat than is usual.
"The most important thing to stress is the risk caused to life."
http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/
Source:
http://www.ukcia.org/news/shownewsarticle.php?articleid=13118
Author:
via UKCIA
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