Police launch campaign against cannabis factories

The police have launched a major operation targeting cannabis factories, the Association of Chief Police Officers has announced.

Nineteen police forces in England and Wales are participating in the crackdown - named Operation Keymer - which will run until October 5.

The operation will see hundreds of suspected cannabis factories raided across the country.

The operation will focus on properties being used to produce 'skunk' - a potent and potentially dangerous form of cannabis, which contains far higher quantities of the chemical THC than herbal or resin.

Currently, around 60% of cannabis found in the UK is skunk, which is mainly grown in the UK rather than being imported.

The ACPO said that cannabis cultivation is linked to organised criminal networks who are estimated to be making very large profits - a small factory of 200 plants is estimated to turn over around £30,000 profit in three months.

The ACPO also warned that there was a serious risk of fires being caused by these factories, because the gangs running them steal electricity by bypassing supplies with wiring set-ups.

The ACPO issued a list of factors which might indicate that a cannabis factory may be in operation. These are:

• The windows of the property are permanently covered from the inside



• Visits to the premises occur at unusual times of the day or night



• People often do not live in the premises and only visit to maintain them



• The offenders may call daily or weekly but usually do not stay long



• The cannabis or by-products such as used fertiliser will be removed in black bin bags or laundry bags



• Compost bags or gardening equipment may be left outside, usually in the rear of the premises



• There may be a vent protruding through the roof or a rear window



• There may be a pungent smell emanating from the premises



• There may be noise coming from the equipment in the premises (i.e. cooling fans)

Allan Gibson, ACPO lead on tackling cannabis cultivation and Commander at the Metropolitan Police, said: "Cannabis cultivation is an increasing problem which must be nipped in the bud. Operation Keymer will see police closing cannabis factories across the country, arresting those concerned and using the Proceeds of Crimes Act to attack the criminal profits being made.

"Cannabis cultivation is seen by criminals as a low risk, high profit industry, but this operation will send out a clear message that cannabis production is a serious offence and that offenders will be brought to justice.

"Not only is the money made from cannabis cultivation ploughed back into serious crime, but the bypassing of the electricity needed to run the factories causes risk of fire and electrocution and they have already caused several devastating fires."

The operation is supported by the Home Office.

Anyone with any information regarding a suspected cannabis factory is warned not to approach the property, but to contact their local police station or Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.

(KMcA/EF)