Four people arrested and cannabis farm seized following police containment in Walton

We have arrested four people and seized a large cannabis farm following an incident in Walton yesterday, Tuesday 6 December.
 
At around 3.15pm, a containment was placed on a house at the junction of Ince Avenue and Cherry Lane, after a wanted man was sighted. Officers attended the address and forced entry. Two men were detained, and a large cannabis farm was found across two rooms, numbering 172 plants. Several large bags of suspected cannabis were also found.
 
In the course of the arrests, an officer was assaulted, sustaining bruises.

Additionally, a man and woman were detained a short time later. 
 
A 27-year-old man from Seaforth was arrested on suspicion of cannabis production; possession of cannabis; and assault of an emergency worker. He has also been arrested for failing to appear at court in connection with drug supply and driving offences.
A 21-year-old man from Waterloo was arrested on suspicion of cannabis production and possession with intent to supply cannabis. 
A 30-year-old man from Walton was arrested on suspicion of cannabis production and abstracting electricity.
A 31-year-old woman from Walton was arrested on suspicion of cannabis production and abstracting electricity.
 
All were taken to police stations for questioning and remain in custody.
 
Inspector Paul New from our Force Fugitive Team said: "Four people are now in custody and our investigations continue. Once again, it appears that electricity was abstracted, causing significant fire risks to anyone living or working nearby. Help us keep removing these death traps by passing on any suspicions, and we will take action.

“Such organised operations also attract the risk of violent crime from drug supply.
 
“If you spot any signs that cannabis is being grown near where you live and work please let us know so that we can continue to take action. Any information helps residents and the work we do, so make us aware and we will investigate.”
 
A video in which Matt Brown from our specialist Cannabis Dismantling Team (CDT) 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

If you have any information in relation to the production, storage or supply of drugs contact us @MerpolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is progress.