Tip off leads police to cannabis farm
CANNABIS plants have been discovered after a raid in Widnes.
A Cheshire police spokesman said officers conducted a drugs warrant on Belvoir Road in Appleton at approximately 8pm on Saturday, June 3.
As a result of the operation officers seized approximately 20 cannabis plants.
No arrests were made at the scene, although a 26-year-old man has since been interviewed under police caution.
Sergeant Leeroy Moss, of Widnes Local Policing Unit, said: “Thanks to the information received from a member of the public we have able to remove a quantity of drugs from the streets of Widnes.
“This is a great result and it truly shows how information from members of the public is vital in the fight against drug related crime.
“We know the negative impact illegal drug use and supply can have on the community and we continue to do all we can to put a stop to this sort of activity.
“I urge anyone who suspects a property is being used to cultivate cannabis to contact Cheshire police on 101.”
Police have issued advice and a number of signs on how residents ● can spot a building being used as a cannabis farm.
These include a strong and ‘sickly sweet’ smell, and equipment to grow cannabis such as lighting and ventilation being taken into a house.
Others signs are constantly covered or blocked-off windows, as cannabis factories often have constantly closed curtains, black-out blinds or foil coverings.
Residents are also advised to look for people coming and going at all hours or neighbours they never see, strong and constant lighting day and night, and high levels of heat and condensation, which farms often give off.
A final sign of a cannabis farm is the constant buzz of ventilation as growers try to create an ideal climate for the plants to be cultivated.