More than 100 cannabis plants seized in police raids
DRUGS DSCOVERED AFTER OFFICERS WERE ALERTED TO BREAK-IN AT EAST MARSH PROPERTY
POLICE have uncovered more than 100 cannabis plants in two separate raids on Grimsby’s East Marsh. Officers were alerted to a break-in at a property on Freeman Street and found four rooms used for cultivating cannabis.
The other drugs den was discovered in Harold Street, Grimsby at the weekend.
The growers had also tampered with the electricity supply at both properties, causing a potentially serious fire risk. Detective Inspector Tom Kelly, of Humberside Police, said: “I’d like to thank the members of the public who got in touch with us about these grows. “Thanks to their vigilance we have been able to seize these plants and equipment and put measures in place to prevent further grows from being established in these properties.
“Though the number of plants recovered was relatively small, there was provision in both properties for large scale grows.
“We’re now working to find out who are behind the operations and if there are any links to organised crime.
“Targeting organised criminals is a big part of keeping our communities safe – which will always be our number one priority.
“These gangs often exploit vulnerable people to do their work for
I’d like to thank the members of the public who got in touch with us about these grows.
them. It’s also common for them to illegally tamper with electricity supplies to power the grow, increasing the risk of fires and putting those living and working in neighbouring properties at risk.”
If you’re concerned there may be a cannabis factory in a building near you, here are some of the signs to look out for:
■ Initially there will be a lot of coming and going, as well as the sounds of intensive DIY as the grow is set up
■ Prolonged buzzing coming from a property
■ Full covered windows
■ Deliveries to an address at strange hours by numerous people ■ Black bags being removed and loaded into a vehicle
■ Smells of cannabis
■ The neighbouring premises might see issues because of heat such as cracks
■ Activity that seems unusual for that street or address – you know if something seems different or wrong
■ Landlords should also carry out regular inspections of their properties, as rented premises are often targeted.
Detective Inspector Kelly added: “If you have concerns about drugrelated crime, please call our nonemergency 101 line or 999 if someone is in immediate danger. If you’d rather not give your name, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
Detective Inspector
Tom Kelly