Cannabis factory discovered in Widnes

Back to Latest News

10 Feb 2012

A Cannabis factory has been uncovered in Widnes.

Police made the discovery this afternoon (Friday 10th February) at a property in Deacon Road.

Officers from Widnes Neighbourhood Policing Unit attended the scene and forced entry.

Once inside, they discovered a substantial amount of Cannabis − around 500 plants − in various stages of growth.

Inspector Ian Whiley, of Widnes NPU , said:

We were alerted to the property by members of the local community who had noticed a strong smell emanating from it.

Officers attended the scene and have discovered a large Cannabis factory inside.

The Cannabis factory had been set up in every room of the property - it was a sophisticated set up.

This has been a significant find and fortunately, we have been able to put a stop to this.

No one has yet been arrested in connection with the incident and enquiries are continuing.

Officers are currently in the process of seizing and removing all the items from the property - including all the plants and the equipment used to grow them - maximising the opportunity to trace those responsible.

This latest find is part of ongoing efforts by Widnes NPU to tackle the issue of illegal drugs within the local community.

Inspector Whiley added:

Widnes NPU is committed to tackling drug related crime. Drug use and supply is an issue of concern and we continue to do all we can to put a stop to this sort of activity.

We want to get the message across loud and clear that drug related activity will not be tolerated in Widnes.

Information from members of the public is vital in the fight against drug related crime and we would urge the people of Widnes to continue passing on any information, which might assist with our enquires.

We want to reassure residents that neighbourhood officers will continue to react swiftly and positively to any information in relation to drug related crime in the area.

Residents across the town are urged to be on their guard and to report any suspicious activity in their area to police immediately - even the smallest amount of information can be useful.

He added:

This could be reporting suspicious activity in your street or passing on information in relation to a property that you suspect is being used to grow Cannabis in. It could even be reporting a strange smell emanating from a property.

Anyone with any information about drug use or supply in Widnes is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.