|
Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
|
|
UK: Police warn drug growers: There is nowhere to hide
Kate Chapman Spalding Guardian
Monday 29 Oct 2007 "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
After you have finished reading this article you can click here to go back.
|
This page was created by the Cannabis Campaigners' Guide.
Feel free to link to this page!