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UK: Cannabis factory crackdown

Wigan Observer

Tuesday 26 Sep 2006

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POLICE in Wigan are asking people to look out for signs of drug dens in
their area as part of a major crackdown on illegal cannabis factories.
Operation Keymar aims to target the most potent form of cannabis, known
as 'skunk'. The substance contains far higher quantities of the chemical
THC than herbal or resin-based cannabis.
During the mid-1990s only 10 per cent of cannabis in the UK was 'skunk',
but now that figure has risen to 60 per cent.
A crop of 200 plants can produce as much as £30,000 worth of 'skunk'
every three months, meaning that larger factories are capable of
producing nearly £500,000 of the drug each year.
The opesation will involve up to 20 police forces across England and
Wales and is expected to last for two weeks.
Insp Serena Kennedy, from Wigan Police, said: "We welcome this new
initiative to stamp out cannabis production.
"The programme will go some way to stamp out the problem nationally
which is very important."
Last year a man who ran his own 'skunk' cannabis farm from home avoided
jail.
Lawrence Coppock, 41, of Roach Green, Longshoot, Scholes, was given a
12-month community rehabilitation order by Wigan magistrates for
cultivating 200 of the illegal plants.
Officers found several bags of "skunk" cannabis in the kitchen and
200-plus plants were found upstairs, together with cultivating equipment.
Inspector Kennedy added: "I wouldn't say that drugs are a major problem
in Wigan as the intelligence our forces have gained has always been
acted on immediately. Positive action has always been taken regarding
the use of illegal drugs."
Those who produce and sell cannabis can face up to 14 years in prison.
As part of operation 'Keymer' police will be asking the general public
to look out for telltale signs of cannabis factories being run from
properties in their area.
These signs include a property's windows being permanently covered,
gardening equipment left outside or a pungent smell emanating from
inside the property.
More than times the amount of heat will be produced in a cannabis
factory compared to the average home.
Criminal gangs are attracted to cannabis production because it is seen
as carrying a lower risk compared with the class A drug trade.
http://www.wigantoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=66&ArticleID=1787759

 

 

 

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