Whiston Pair Arrested after Cannabis Raids

Merseyside Police has arrested a man and woman after the discovery of two cannabis farms with around 42 plants in Kirkby and Whiston today (Thursday, 26 May).

At about 9.20am, police executed a warrant at an industrial unit in Knowsley Industrial Park, off Newstet Road.

Upon entering, officers discovered the unit had been adapted for the growing of cannabis and there were 32 cannabis plants inside. The farm would have had an estimated annual yield of £128,000.

A warrant was executed simultaneously at an address on Nelson Avenue in Whiston where a further 10 cannabis plants were found along with five bags of white powder which have been recovered and taken for testing.

Merseyside Police’s specialist cannabis dismantling team are in attendance to remove the plants and sophisticated hydroponic growing equipment.

A 42-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman, both from Whiston, have been arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

Detective Constable Mike Lee said: “The cannabis cultivations found would have an estimated annual yield of well over £100,000. Thankfully officers have taken action and prevented criminals from making any further financial gain from these properties.

“Cannabis cultivation by criminal gangs can cause serious harm in our communities. Criminal groups involved in the cultivation of cannabis are usually involved in other serious organised crime and they often rent industrial properties such as this.

“The growing of cannabis also brings dangers to neighbouring properties because cannabis farms are a serious fire risk. The people who set up these farms often tamper with the electricity meters to steal electricity, and there will generally be a number of hot lamps hooked to overloaded electricity sockets as well as an extensive watering system.

“Electricity and water are never a good combination, and the fire service have seen an increase in the number of fires they have been called to as a result of fires caused by the crude systems put in place by the people who set up these farms.

“Our communities can help us stop these groups, who are only interested in making money, from turning houses and flats into potential death traps. Nobody wants to live next door to these houses and we would ask that if you believe someone is using a property for this purpose, please tell us so we can take positive 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.

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