Two charged after discovery of two cannabis farms in Wirral

We have charged two men and dismantled two cannabis farms containing 244 plants following a warrant in Rock Ferry on Wednesday (20 November).

Officers executed the warrant on Tennyson Avenue at midday and spotted a suspect inside who was detained. On searching the premises, five cannabis growing rooms were found containing 97 plants.

A second warrant was carried out at a house on Town Lane in Tranmere and a further cannabis farm was found containing four growing rooms with 147 plants.

Danjel Markaj, 25 years, and Pjetri Ferdinant, 23 years, both of no fixed address have been charged with producing a Class B controlled drug (cannabis). They were remanded into custody to appear at Wirral Magistrates Court today (Thursday 21 November).

The premises have been made safe by our Cannabis Dismantling Team and our enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Inspector Andrew Schofield said: “Cannabis farms in residential areas such as this are not only cause a nuisance for neighbours by attracting anti-social behaviour, they pose a real risk to them. 

“The operators of cannabis farms tinker with electrical wiring and overload plugs ,bringing a very real risk of igniting fires and showing a complete disregard for the safety of residents living close by.

“Nobody wants to live close to a potential death-traps such as this, and it is often thanks to people living in the areas affected who tell us about their suspicions, and the proactivity of our officers, that we are able to take action. 

“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, head of our Cannabis Dismantling Team 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. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.