Police raiders find house being used as cannabis farm
ADRUG farm spread across three rooms was discovered after police were tipped off about a smell of cannabis.
The home was left at risk of fire and floods after botched attempts to abstract electricity for the illegal setup.
Police raided the home at around 1pm on Wednesday, August 18 after receiving a tip off about a strong smell of cannabis.
Once inside the property on St James Street, Southport, they found 92 cannabis plants and equipment spread across three rooms.
As well as efforts to abstract electricity, water damage was found on ceilings and the house has now been made safe.
No-one was present when police raided the home and enquiries are ongoing to locate the occupant.
Matt Brown, of Merseyside Police’s specialist Cannabis Dismantling Team (CDT), said: “This location is a prime example of why we do what we do.
“The premises had water damage and evidence of the electricity being tampered with, creating a very real flood and fire risk for anyone unlucky enough to live nearby.
“It is vital that we find all such premises as quickly as we can, to reduce harm in those communities.
“Nobody wants to live close to a potential death-trap and it’s thanks to those in the areas affected, and the awareness of our officers, that we are able to take action.
“We’re also keen to speak with anyone who might have seen people coming or going from the address in recent days and weeks.
“Details of suspicious people or vehicles could be vital in identifying who is responsible and we will act on all information received.
“Be aware of some of the signs of cannabis growth, and we’ll do the rest.”
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 suspicious.
Anyone with information on suspected drug production or criminal activity in their community is asked to contact @MerPolCC, call 101 or come forward anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.