Large cannabis farm discovered in Winsford thanks to community intelligence

Officers from Northwich Local Policing Unit have recovered a large quantity of cannabis plants at a house in Winsford thanks to information from the local community.

At around 9am today, Thursday 5 May, police executed a warrant at an address on Station Road, Wharton.

A large number of cannabis plants have been discovered inside the house and an 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the cultivation of class B drugs.

He is currently in custody helping officers with their enquiries.

Police Constable Paul Gilchrest of Northwich Local Policing Unit said, said: “Thanks to information received from local residents we have been able to remove a significant quantity of cannabis from the streets of Winsford.

“The house contained a large number of cannabis plants and a sophisticated set up of venting systems and electricity use to maximise the amount of class B drugs being cultivated.

“The seizure is a great result and shows how information from members of the public is vital in the fight against drug related crime.

“We know the negative impact illegal drug use and supply can have on communities.

“We want people in Winsford to feel safe in their communities and we are committed to doing all we can to put a stop to this sort of activity and improve the area.”

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 dealing to Cheshire Constabulary online at https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report, or by calling 101.

Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously .