£1.2 Million cannabis factory discovered in Cypress Road, Southport

Merseyside Police carried out a warrant resulting in the discovery of a cannabis farm in Southport today (Friday 10th November 2017).

Merseyside Police carried out a warrant resulting in the discovery of a cannabis farm in Southport today (Friday 10th November 2017).

Officers recovered a total of 300 cannabis plants and a number of cropped plants from the address in Cyprus Road, Southport at about 8.28am.

The cannabis farm would have an estimated annual yield of nearly £1.2m. The plants were recovered alongside growing equipment and the electricity was found to have been illegally bypassed.

Superintendent Matt Boyle said: “Every cannabis farm our officers seize and every arrest marks another step in our efforts to disrupt the activities of criminals growing cannabis.

“We are using everything at our disposal to find cannabis farms and bring those responsible for setting them up to justice.

“Police are visiting retailers such as DIY stores and garden centres to raise awareness of the types of purchases made by criminals looking to set up cannabis farms, and officers are speaking with letting agencies and landlords, as many cannabis growers take advantage of short-term tenancy agreements to grow the drug. Unoccupied properties could be subject to utilities being disconnected and other partner agencies will be educated on the signs a cannabis factory is in a property.

“Information from the public is vital, so we can continue to target cannabis cultivation and drug dealing in our communities. I’m sure no-one would like to live next door to these potential death traps and I’d ask again if you believe someone is using a property for this purpose, please tell us so we can take action and find those responsible for setting them up.”

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 sinister
Anyone with any information can call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.