Vacant properties around the UK are being used to grow cannabis in high volumes by crime syndicates that are profiting millions of pounds.
High Street Property Being Used for Drug Cultivation
According to the National Police Chiefs’ Council, vacant pubs, cafes, nightclubs and office buildings are being used by gangs to operate their drug network.
Economic Crisis Paved the Way for Vacant Property
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in an economic crisis, there are plenty of vacant properties to choose from, as many businesses were forced to close down.
Abandoned Warehouses Provide Optimal Location
The wide open industrial spaces are optimal for setting up shop, as there is ample space and a generous amount of noise in the vicinity to cover up the illegal activity while keeping it out of the public eye.
Retail Premises Also Being Utilised
Although empty industrial properties are amongst the top choices for drug-cultivating farms, smaller retail shops are also proving popular choices due to their availability and the deterioration in large groups of people during the evenings, allowing the activity to go unnoticed.
One in Six Shops Are Empty
The Welsh Retail Consortium presented data from last year showing that more than one in six shops is empty.
Inactivity at Night Provides Perfect Work Conditions
Chief Constable Richard Lewis, The NPCC lead on drugs, has said that the vacant commercial properties are targeted due to inactivity on high streets at night.
Residential Neighbours Would Notice the Activity
Raids have been carried out on numerous properties over the last year, with Lewis stating that “neighbours in residential properties would notice things more readily.”
Empty Toyshop Loses Its Innocence
In February, a large-scale raid was conducted in an abandoned toyshop in Ayr, Scotland, which revealed a cannabis farm boasting an estimated value of £920,000.
The Larger the Space, the Larger the Cannabis Farm
In addition, the Cambridgeshire Police also discovered an empty industrial warehouse that was being used, with a cannabis farm to the value of £1.3 million.
Empty Department Store Optimal for Large-Scale Production
No empty property is safe, with the Gwent Police having discovered that a former department store in Newport, South Wales, was housing more than 3000 cannabis plants worth an estimated £2 million.
Police Clamping Down
Police have increased their operations by clamping down and uncovering cannabis farms by issuing over 1000 warrants and nearly 1000 suspects arrested in 2023 alone.
Ties Between Cannabis and Human Trafficking
It is not just the cannabis operation that is proving problematic; the police are finding links between large-scale cannabis production and other offences, such as human trafficking.
All Involved Will Be Targeted by the Police
The forces are being proactive about shutting down found cannabis farms, but they aren’t just targetting those growing it.
Landlords, Estate Agents and Tradesmen Involved?
Anyone who facilitates the activity can be prosecuted, including estate agents, landlords, electricians, and so forth.
“Turning a Blind Eye” Is No Excuse
Lewis stated, “We’ve also prosecuted landlords of these places who may be turning a blind eye to what’s happening.”
23% Increase in Cannabis Possession
There has been a profound increase in the criminal possession of cannabis, with a 23% increase between 2019 and 2020 across England and Wales. Decriminalising and regulating the product could be a solution worth considering.
England and Wales’ Drug of Choice Is Cannabis
Since 1995, the Office for National Statistics has reported that cannabis has been the most used drug consistently in England and Wales.
Properties Allow for Production Boost
With the growing demand for cannabis, the need for facilities to produce the product is inevitable, and the vacant properties then allow for a production boost.
Police Urge Public to Report Suspected Illegal Activity
Lewis has urged the public to report any information to the police if they believe a property is being used for illegal activity.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Martin Hurton.