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Hundreds of thousands of cannabis plants are seized by police in Britain every year. But would you know that if you lived next to a cannabis farm?
In the year 2022/2023, 15,570 cannabis plants were seized in England and Wales. This number was even higher the year before, when police discovered 785,955.
The Yorkshire and Humber region was the hotspot for cannabis plant seizures in 2022/2023, with 145,870 discoveries.
Earlier this year, police warned that drug gangs were exploiting the decline of the high street by taking over empty shops and turning them into farms.
The warning came after officers found more than 3,000 plants in an empty department store in Newport, South Wales.
But how do you know that when you walk past a cannabis farm near you? Here are some things to look out for according to West Yorkshire Police:
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In the year 2022/2023 alone, 515,570 cannabis plants were seized in England and Wales (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Strong odors: Cannabis crops take about three months to grow, and the odors can be potent in the final weeks.
Covered windows: Always keep curtains drawn or windows covered/boarded up from the inside.
Excessive security measures: Excessive security measures such as extra locks or grilles on windows.
Lots of condensation: Cannabis plants need a greenhouse-like environment to grow. Be aware of condensation on the windows, especially in the summer months.
Many visitors: Frequent visitors at awkward hours.
Visiting address for residents only, twice a week: Some cannabis growers are extremely organized and tend to the plants only a few times a week.
Equipment for growing plants: Beware of potential growers who bring a lot of plant growing equipment in and out of the plots, such as soil/fertilizer and plant waste.
Lots of cables and wiring: Setting up a cannabis farm requires a lot of cables and wiring for all the equipment. If there are still wires hanging from ceilings/walls after a week, this could be a sign of growth.
Excessive electricity bills (for landlords): Have electricity bills suddenly increased or decreased? The tenants may be fiddling with the meter.
Snow: Cannabis farms produce a lot of heat. Be weary of a property without a snow-covered roof.
Bright light day and night: Cannabis plants need light to grow, pay attention to properties with bright light.
Hum of ventilation: The constant noise of a fan can serve as ventilation for growing cannabis.
Vulnerable adults: Sometimes foreigners are forced to maintain cannabis farms and are victims of human trafficking/modern slavery.
In June, Operation Mille, the largest of its kind involving all police forces in England, Wales and Scotland, saw the seizure of 200,000 cannabis plants, along with 15 to 20 rifles and more than 40 other offensive weapons.
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Cannabis plants seized as part of Operation Mille (Council of National Police Chiefs/PA Wire)
Around 11,000 officers were involved in the crackdown, which also saw £650,000 in cash seized.
Large-scale industrial units are used for cannabis farms, as well as for vacant residential properties.
Steve Jupp, head of the National Police Chiefs’ Council for Serious and Organized Crime, said: “There is often a perception that cannabis-related crime is ‘low level’; However, there are clear patterns around the exploitation and violence that organized crime groups use to protect their businesses.”