Cannabis farm found following warrant in Southport

 

We have seized more than 90 cannabis plants and equipment following a warrant in Southport yesterday, Wednesday 18 August.

At around 1.05pm, we were informed of a strong smell of cannabis at a house on St James Street. A warrant was carried out and 92 cannabis plants and equipment found across three rooms, as well as efforts to abstract electricity and water damage to ceilings. The house was made safe.

Enquiries are ongoing to locate the occupant.

Matt Brown, who heads our specialist Cannabis Dismantling Team (CDT), said: "This location is a prime example of why we do what we do. The premises had water damage and evidence of the electricity being tampered with, creating a very real flood and fire risk for anyone unlucky enough to live nearby.

"It is vital that we find all such premises as quickly as we can, to reduce harm in those communities. Nobody wants to live close to a potential death-trap and it's thanks to those in the areas affected, and the awareness of our officers, that we are able to take action.

"We're also keen to speak with anyone who might have seen people coming or going from the address in recent days and weeks. Details of suspicious people or vehicles could be vital in identifying who is responsible and we will act on all information received."

“Be aware of some of the signs of cannabis growth, and we’ll do the rest.”

A video in which Matt explains how you can spot signs of cannabis being grown near where you live can be found here - https://youtu.be/rc59i2dsZHM

Some of the signs that cannabis is being grown are:
 
• Strange smells and sounds
• Frequent and varied visitors to a property, often at unusual times
• Gardening equipment being taken into a property, such as plant pots, fertiliser, fans and industrial lighting
• Windows are sealed and covered or the curtains are permanently closed
• Heat from an adjoining property
• Birds gathering on a roof in cold weather
• Individually these activities may seem commonplace, however, together may indicate something more suspicious
 
Anyone with information on suspected drug production or criminal activity in their community can contact @MerPolCC, call 101 or come forward anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.