Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 2nd April 2025, at 12:15hrs
Merseyside Police have dismantled two significant cannabis farms, seizing a total of 479 plants, in operations conducted across Newton-le-Willows and Tuebrook.
Officers executed drug warrants at properties on Market Street, Newton-le-Willows on Tuesday, March 25th, and West Derby Road in Tuebrook on Wednesday, March 26th.
In both locations, police discovered sophisticated setups consisting of three separate growing rooms, complete with numerous cannabis plants and associated cultivating equipment.
The substantial haul underscores the ongoing efforts by Merseyside Police to combat illegal drug production within the region.
An investigation is currently underway, and police are actively pursuing inquiries related to these operations. Authorities have stated that there is no indication of a direct link between the two separate cannabis farms.
Matt Brown, head of the Cannabis Dismantling Team (CDT), emphasized the significant risk these operations posed to the local community.
“As always with such cannabis farms, a significant risk has been removed from the local community,” he stated. “The people who grow these cannabis farms have to extract electricity, which is extremely dangerous, and clearly they have a total disregard for the safety of residents living close by.”
Brown highlighted the dangers associated with cannabis cultivation, including the risk of fires, floods, and violent crime.
He urged residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
“Nobody wants to live close to a potential death-traps such as this, and it is often thanks to people living in the areas affected who tell us about their suspicions, and the proactivity of our officers, that we are able to take action,” he added.
Merseyside Police have provided a list of signs that may indicate cannabis cultivation in residential areas:
* Strange smells and sounds emanating from a property.
* Frequent and varied visitors, particularly at unusual hours.
* Gardening equipment being brought into a property, such as plant pots, fertiliser, fans, and industrial lighting.
* Windows sealed and covered, or curtains permanently closed.
* Unusual heat emanating from an adjoining property.
* Birds congregating on a roof in cold weather.
The police are appealing to the public for information.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicions related to drug production, storage, or supply by contacting @MerpolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In cases of ongoing crime, individuals are urged to call 999.
“People who use cannabis in any quantity might think they are doing no real harm to others, but each and every ounce purchased is contributing towards organised crime across Merseyside, where serious violence and disputes are often the result,” Brown concluded.
A video explaining how to spot the signs of cannabis being grown near you can be found here – https://youtu.be/rc59i2dsZHM
G2K INCIDENT WATCH 