Crackdown on local cannabis factories

Police have pledged to continue with the operation and Area Commander Darrin Jones is urging local people to report suspicious properties.

Chief Inspector Jones said: “The possession and cultivation of cannabis is illegal. Drug production and drug dealing ruin communities and ruin lives. I think it’s important that local people know what to look out for so they can help us shut down even more factories.”

He also highlighted some signs to look out for. “The first sure sign is the smell,” he continued. Cannabis factories often emit a very pungent smell.

“Other signs include abnormal heat penetrating through the walls, noise coming from the equipment in the premises (cooling fans etc.), windows permanently covered from the inside, visits to the premises at unusual times of the day or night, compost bags or gardening equipment left outside, usually in the rear yard or garden and a vent protruding through a roof or rear window.”

Chief Inspector Jones added: “I can assure people that when good information is brought forward to us, we will act. Officers are continually gathering information about drug dealers and are using that information to carry out searches and make significant arrests right across Lisburn.

“We are confident that with ongoing assistance and support from the community, we will continue to identify those who put illegal and dangerous drugs onto our streets, arrest them and remove them from our society,” he concluded.

Anyone who has any information regarding the sale, supply, cultivation or misuse of controlled drugs should contact their local police so the matter can be fully investigated. The telephone number to ring is 0845 600 8000, or alternatively information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111.