Successful seizure of more than 450 cannabis plants

Merseyside Police have successfully seized more than 450 cannabis plants from two cannabis farms. 

Officers executed drug warrants at properties on Market Street, Newton Le Willows and West Derby Road in Tuebrook on Tuesday 25 March and Wednesday 26 March. 

Each property had three separate growing rooms with a total of 479 cannabis plants and associated growing equipment.

An investigation is ongoing and enquiries are in the process of being carried out.

There is no suggestion of a direct link between the cannabis farms.

Matt Brown, who heads our Cannabis Dismantling Team (CDT) said: "As always with such cannabis farms, a significant risk has been removed from the local community.

“The people who grow these cannabis farms have to extract electricity, which is extremely dangerous, and clearly they have a total 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.

 "Fire, floods and violent crime all result from such set-ups, so it is vital that people are aware of the signs that cannabis is being grown in your area and highlight any concerns to police as soon as possible.

“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.

"People who use cannabis in any quantity might think they are doing no real harm to others, but each and every ounce purchased is contributing towards organised crime across Merseyside, where serious violence and disputes are often the result.”

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

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.