The crime-fighting charity, Crimestoppers, is asking the public to help the police locate cannabis farms that could be in residential properties on any ordinary, surburban street in towns and cities around the UK. The campaign coincides with the Home Office-led initiative, National Tackling Drugs Week (8 to 12 June).
Cannabis cultivation can fuel a range of serious organised crimes including the possession of firearms, people trafficking, prostitution and money laundering.
These illegal operations pose a significant threat to our fire services as highly flammable and dangerous chemicals are used in the cultivating process. Another hazard is that electricity supplies are bypassed to supply enough energy to run around eighty 600 watt lamps that have the potential to overload. Also, as the properties are often booby-trapped this means that the fire fighters have to deal with highly unpredictable environments.
There are also concerns that the dangerous form of cannabis, known as ‘skunk’, is being cultivated in these farms. According to a Home Office report published last year the majority of cannabis on the streets is ‘skunk’. The stronger potency of this drug can lead to anti-social and criminal behaviour, as well causing long-term mental health problems for some users.
Michael Laurie, CBE, Crimestoppers’ Chief Executive said: “Around 50% of information that is passed to Crimestoppers every year is about drugs offences so the public are clearly concerned about having drugs in their communities.
“This week we want to get the public behind this campaign and help us put a severe dent in the dangerous and organised criminal activity than is behind cannabis cultivation. Not only do these farms endanger the lives of our fire fighters but they could also be exploiting vulnerable young people who are forced to work in them. Tell us where the farms are; not who you are.”
Crimestoppers is asking for members of the public to pass on any information they may have on these cannabis farms by telephoning 0800 555 111 or via an online form on www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Both routes are 100pc anonymous – names are not taken, calls are not traced or recorded and people do not have to go to Court.
