Nantwich residents are being urged to sniff out cannabis farms in the town – after £3 million of the drug were seized by Cheshire Police in just three months.
Detectives say organised criminal gangs are using premises across Cheshire to cultivate the drug in local communities.
More than £3 million worth of cannabis was seized after farms were raided and closed in nearby Northwich, Little Budworth, Warrington, Macclesfield, and Runcorn.
The latest was found in an annexe building at the former Cheshire county mansion, Daresbury Hall, yesterday (April 27).
Officers described it as “a significant find”, with 600 cannabis plants and an estimated street value of £750,000.
Chief Inspector Paul Taylor, of Cheshire Police Intelligence Bureau, said: “Information received from the public has provided a vital role in successful cannabis farm closures we have seen so far this year.
“We are keen to gather more information from the public to help tackle the organised crime groups who are operating them.
“In recent years we have noticed these groups have developed the way they cultivate cannabis.
“Not only are disused commercial and industrial premises being used, but now also a significant amount of activity is taking place in houses – often rented from private landlords.
“This activity is detrimental to local community, and has wider economic consequences due to theft of electricity. It’s estimated that stolen electricity costs customers £200 million a year across the UK.”
Signs of cannabis cultivation include:
• A strong and sickly sweet smell
• Equipment to grow cannabis being taken into a house – such aslighting and ventilation equipment
• Constantly covered or blocked-off windows – closed curtains, black-out blinds or foil coverings
• People coming and going at all hours or neighbours never seen
• Strong and constant lighting day and night
• High levels of heat and condensation. Cannabis factories often give off heat and the windows stay misted up
• Constant buzz of ventilation – a whirring sound as growers try to create an ideal climate for plants to grow
• Lots of power cables. Gangs dig underground to lay cables that hook up to lamp posts so they don′t have to pay for electricity they use
Keith Brooks, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s head of prevention and protection, said: “The set-up of cannabis farms often involves bypassing the electricity supply or tampering with wiring which is highly dangerous and can lead to a serious fire.
“This poses a great risk to members of the public, particularly if they live next door to the property.
“Fire could quickly spread, and is also dangerous for firefighters who would be called to respond.”
Chief Insp Taylor added: “Organised crime groups undermine local communities and bring misery to local residents through their involvement in organised crime and illegal drugs.”
Anyone with suspicions can contact Cheshire Police on 101, or report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or visit the Crimestoppers website at www.crimestoppers.co.uk
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