Police highlight cannabis farm dangers
A MAN was arrested after police uncovered a huge cannabis farm inside a home at Banks.
The “sophisticated” set-up saw part of the house on Westerdale Drive converted into a dedicated space used to grow the drug. Video footage captured during the raid showed dozens of plants under heating lamps and extractions fans.
Police shared the footage to explain the purposes of its work and to show the dangers such farms possess, particularly in terms of the fire risk associated with the by-passing of electrical supplies.
A spokesman said: “We understand the subject of cannabis gets a mixed response, but please hear our side.
“Officers across West Lancashire regularly dismantle, bag and destroy cannabis growths.
“Often behind a cannabis growth is an organised crime gang, who are actively exploiting the vulnerable for their own financial gain, many of these people have been trafficked from other countries with the promise of a better life, or are young children.
“In addition, growths of this size can make houses unsafe through faulty electrics putting people in danger.
“So, this simply isn’t another cannabis raid, there are lots of implications behind the scenes that are often overlooked by the public and this is why we take warrants of this nature extremely seriously.”
The raid was carried out following tip-offs from members of the public and as part of the newly launched Operation Hera.
One man from Banks was arrested.