Two homes are raided for drugs
Be alert to telltale signs, advise cops
A leading Wishaw police officer believes cannabis cultivations are on the rise and a serious danger to the public.
Sgt Neil MacLeod, from Wishaw Po l i c e O f f i c e’s Commu n i t y Investigation Unit, made the claim after it was confirmed officers swooped on two homes and recovered drugs worth a potential £25,000.
Officers raided a flat in Cleland’s Biggar Road after obtaining a warrant to search the premises.
A total of 39 cannabis plants with an estimated value around £15,000 was seized.
Police also confirmed that the flat’s electricity supply had been bypassed which posed a genuine fire risk threat to others living close by especially as this was in an occupied block of flats.
A 23- year- old was arrested in connection and was reported to the procurator fiscal.
Meanwhile, on October 11, police acted on intelligence suggesting cannabis was being grown at an address in Arran Road, Motherwell.
Officers subsequently recovered a 38 plant cannabis cultivation within the address with an estimated value of between £7,000 and £10,000.
One 50-year-old man was arrested in connection with this incident.
Sgt MacLeod, said: “Cultivations are becoming more prevailent.
“The risks are obvious, but what is particularly concerning is the bypassing of electricity supplies which frequently is the cause of house fires.
“Anyone who is aware of a strong smell of cannabis coming from premises or windows being constantly covered and perhaps condensation on the windows should contact the police immediately.”
Last month police recovered over 200 grams of cannabis together with a cannabis cultivation and a small amount of Class A drugs from a flat in Wishaw’s Caledonian Road.
It was estimated that the value of the drugs was in the region of £3000.
Sgt MacLeod added: “The police are keen to emphasise that these significant recoveries are only possible with the co-operation of the local community.
“We will constantly target offenders who supply drugs to others and if anyone has any suspicions or information regarding drugs activity they should let us know and we will act upon the information provided.”