Cannabis Farm Uncovered In Merseyside

A large-scale cannabis farm has bee uncovered at a block of flats in Merseyside.

Officers found more than 300 cannabis plants and growing equipment across four flats at the block on Everton Road on Wednesday.

Police investigated after a member of the pubic reported a strong smell of cannabis coming from the 14th floor.

They discovered 166 cannabis plants growing in the first flat, a further 145 plants growing and a bin bag full of cropped plants in the second and 28 plants in the third. The fourth flat contained equipment used to grow cannabis. 

Specialist officers from the force’s cannabis dismantling team have seized evidence from what detectives are describing as a sophisticated and industrial-scale criminal set-up, with a potential annual yield totalling more than £1.35 million.

Acting Detective Inspector Lee Wilkinson, from Liverpool CID, said: "This was an elaborate series of cannabis farms spread across four separate flats. We discovered a total of 339 plants but believe much more could have been grown in the flat that contained equipment. 

"Those drugs and the capability to grow more has now been seized and taken out of the hands of criminals. 

"It just goes to show how a suspicious smell can lead the police to uncover major criminal activity and I would urge the public to help us spot more of these farms by knowing what the signs of a cannabis farm are and how to report it. 

"Cannabis is not a harmless drug. It is pedalled by serious organised crime groups and is extremely potent which causes damage to users, especially young people. Cannabis farms also pose a serious risk to other residents as they can become house fires due to the reckless way criminals tamper with the electricity to avoid detection. 

"Today's discovery shows how farms can be hidden in the very heart of our communities, so it is in everyone’s interests to help the police put these drugs farms out of business." 

If you want to report a cannabis farm call Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.