Polices forces across Scotland have previously alerted to potential large-scale cannabis cultivation taking place in communities.
Det. Sgt. Joe McLaughlin of Strathclyde Police has said: “Thanks to a tip off made to Crimestoppers, we have been able to disrupt and dismantle another large scale cannabis cultivation. The discovery of this cultivation proves that by working together we can be successful in tackling this issue and making a major impact on the criminal fraternities setting up these sites.
He added: “It’s encouraging that local people know what to look out for and are proactive in reporting their suspicions. It may be that there are other cultivations in the surrounding area and I would urge people to be aware of the signs and report any suspicious activity.”
Since 2006, police have seized around 80,000 cannabis plants with an approximate street value of £24.7 million.
Despite these significant seizures, the problem of cannabis cultivations is increasing and the harms associated with it continue to present a major risk to Scotland’s communities.
Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in Scotland and the health impact on users is significant. The methods used to maintain cannabis farms are a fire hazard to the premises they are contained within and surrounding properties. In addition, profit from the supply of cannabis is used to fund other forms of serious organised crime, including human trafficking and counterfeit goods.
Led by Strathclyde Police, Scotland’s eight police forces, with the support of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA), the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and the UK Borders Agency, have formed a national taskforce to detect and dismantle cannabis cultivations, arrest the criminal networks involved and seize their illegal profits.
Local people have a crucial role to play in helping to beat this criminal activity. If you notice anything suspicious,
contact Crimestoppers anonymously
with information on 0800 555 111.
The signs to look out for are:
- Windows of the property are permanently covered from the inside
- Visits to the premises occur at unusual times of the day or night
- People do not live in the premises and only make shorts visits, daily or weekly, to maintain them
- The cannabis or by-products, such as used fertiliser, will be removed in black bin bags or laundry bags
- Compost bags or gardening equipment may be left outside, usually in the rear of the premises
- There may be a vent protruding through the roof of a rear window
- There may be a pungent smell emanating from the premises
- There may be noise coming from equipment (e.g. cooling fans) in the premises
Chair: Jim Ferguson
