GMP crackdown on illegal cannabis factories

Date published: 25/09/2006

Greater Manchester Police has announced that organised criminals running illegal cannabis factories can expect to be arrested, their businesses closed down and their assets frozen.

During 1 July 2005 – 31 July 2006, Greater Manchester Police seized over 6,000 cannabis plants, with 87 offenders arrested.  The launch of Operation Keymer will see Greater Manchester Police aiming to bring further offenders to justice to make local communities safer places to live and work.

The crackdown is part of a national operation that will see hundreds of cannabis factories across the country raided and the organised criminal gangs who run them disrupted and dismantled.

The operation will focus on properties being used to produce large quantities of "skunk’, a potent and potentially dangerous form of cannabis, which is produced by criminals mistakenly believing it to be a low risk industry. Skunk contains far higher quantities of the chemical THC than "herbal’ or "resin’, making skunk users considerably more vulnerable to its negative effects.

Operation Keymer, which will run from 25 September until 5 October, will support ongoing work taking place across Greater Manchester to root out these factories, whilst improving police knowledge and understanding of the trade through activity-led intelligence gathering.

Sergeant Michael Mangan, Greater Manchester Police said: "Cannabis cultivation is an increasing problem which must be nipped in the bud. Operation Keymer will see officers across Greater Manchester closing cannabis factories in the region, arresting offenders 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.

"Members of the public can assist the police in this operation by looking out for the tell- tale signs of cannabis cultivation on their street. Should a member of the public become suspicious of a property they should NOT approach it, but call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or their local police station on 0161 872 5050. "

Home Office Minister, Vernon Coaker, said:  "We fully support this crackdown which sends out a powerful message that growing and dealing in cannabis will not be tolerated. Those who use and sell cannabis will face tough penalties: up to 14 years for cultivation and dealing."

Some of these factors combined may indicate that there is a cannabis factory on the premises. If you believe there is a cannabis factory in your area, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or your local police station:

• 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).