Large cannabis farm discovered in Northwich thanks to community intelligence

Officers from Northwich Local Policing Unit have discovered a cannabis farm in Winnington, thanks to information from the local community.

At around 12.45pm today, Thursday 2 March, officers attended a property on Walker Road, following reports of suspicious activity.

Upon entering the property officers discovered a large number of cannabis plants inside the house. 

A 20-year-old man was also nearby in connection with the discovery, he is currently in custody helping officers with their enquiries. 

Inspector Jason Murray, of Northwich LPU said:

“Firstly I’d like to thank the residents for the information they provided, which has enabled us to remove a significant quantity of cannabis from the streets of Northwich.

“It is clear that this property had been completely converted to produce cannabis on a large scale. The electricity had been dangerously bypassed, and a large number of cannabis plants have been recovered.

“These set-ups can be dangerous to other residents given the way the electricity is bypassed, and the equipment used within. We urge anyone who suspects this activity happening near them to come forward and tell us about it.”  

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and to continue to report any suspicions of illegal drug-related activity to the police. 
 
There are a number signs that could indicate that a property is being used as a cannabis farm, including:
 
• A strong and sickly sweet smell 
• Equipment to grow cannabis being taken into a property, such as lighting and ventilation equipment 
• Constantly covered or blocked-off windows – cannabis farms often have constantly closed curtains, black-out blinds or foil coverings 
• People coming and going at all hours or neighbours you never see 
• Strong and constant lighting day and night 
• High levels of heat and condensation – cannabis farms often give off heat and the windows stay misted up 
• A constant buzz of ventilation – listen out for a whirring sound as the growers try to create an ideal climate for cannabis plants to grow 
• Lots of power cables – offenders often dig underground to lay cables that hook up to things like lamp posts so they do not have to pay for the enormous amounts of electricity they use. 

You can report suspected drug related activity to Cheshire Constabulary online at:

http://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report

or by calling 101. 

Pictured - The cannabis farm.