Man arrested and cannabis farm seized in Netherley

We have arrested a man and seized a large quantity of cannabis following a warrant carried out in Netherley.

During a search of the property on Laurus Close, officers from Liverpool Local Policing Team found a cannabis farm inside one of the bedrooms and were able to seize a number of plants along with the associated growing equipment.

Officers also found a large quantity of cannabis buds in vacuum packs, a quantity of cocaine and an old police baton.

Scottish Power attended and confirmed that the electricity meter had been abstracted and it was subsequently made safe.

A 45-year-old man from Liverpool has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled Class A drug (cocaine), possession with intent to supply a controlled Class B drug (cannabis), possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, concerned in the production of a controlled Class B drug (cannabis) and abstracting/using electricity without authority. He has been released under investigation.

Matt Brown, who leads the Cannabis Dismantling Team, said: “Let me be clear, cannabis farms help to fund organised crime groups who use these death traps to cause more criminality and harm in our communities.

“The criminals who run these farms care far more about making ill-gotten gains than the risks they pose to neighbouring properties.

“Cannabis farms are a real danger to residents in the area, especially when criminals extract electricity illegally by tinkering with the wiring and overloading plugs. This puts the lives of those living nearby in danger of fire and flooding.

“Organised crime is hugely damaging to our communities, often involving intimidation, violence and creating fear where criminals involved have no thought for anyone other than themselves.

“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.”

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. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.