Cannabis Farms and How to Spot Them
Following the discovery of a cannabis ‘farm’ in Durston Close, Evington, one wonders how many more of these premises exist. Given the number of vacant commercial properties around and the fact that those who run such enterprises favour bigger buildings that allow for larger scale operations and therefore more profit, some people may be surprised that an ordinary residential property was used for this purpose. One reason might be that it can be hidden in plain sight and is less likely to attract attention with people coming and going, whereas a closed shop, workshop or factory might arouse suspicions if regular activity and other signs of a cannabis farm are noticed.
So, what might you look out for in your neighbourhood that would lead you to suspect such an illicit operation was going on?
The police have released a check list of the tell-tale signs that a cannabis farm is being run from a property:
Cannabis farm signs
1-Curtains and windows closed and drawn, even in hot weather
2-Strange comings and goings from the address with vehicles attending late at night
3-Smells coming from the address that could indicate cannabis is being grown
4-Light coming from roof spaces or leaking through the building in odd places
5-Sounds of fans constantly running in the address
6-Cables running to and from lampposts nearby
7-Rubbish bags full of garden-related waste
8-Occupants and visitors rarely seen, except at odd hours of the day
9-Condensation on the windows
10-Large amounts of fertiliser taken to the address at odd times
Detective Chief Superintendent Duncan Young of Bedfordshire Police is quoted as having said: “We often come up against the narrative that cannabis is ‘harmless’, but it’s important we expose what sits behind the cultivation and selling of all illegal drugs.
“Homes of vulnerable people are overtaken; this is an exploitative practice known as cuckooing.
“Young people are groomed and used to sell these drugs across Bedfordshire, this is county lines exploitation.
“Those young people’s education, home life and future prospects are negatively impacted. This is harm, and this is caused by cannabis and other illegal drugs.
“Sadly, it doesn’t end there. Drugs are at the root of a huge percentage of the anti-social behaviour and violence we experience in our county.
“Each cannabis factory we shut down creates a lifeline for an exploited individual. By reporting what you know, see and hear about drug activity in your area, we know where and when to strike next.”
Source (George King, BBC News, East of England, 27th December 2024, Ten ways to spot a cannabis farm being grown)
