Boy arrested at scene of £2m ‘potential death trap’ marijuana farm
A child has been arrested after a cannabis farm with an estimated annual yield of £2.15 million was discovered in Merseyside.
The crop, containing 539 plants, was discovered at a property on Knowsley Road on Tuesday (July 10) at around 11.55am.
Marijuana plants were found inside five rooms spread across four floors in a cellar, former shop unit and upstairs flat, along with growing equipment.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested at the scene on suspicion of production of cannabis and taken to a police station in Merseyside to be interviewed.
Cannabis Dismantling Team Sergeant Gary Sorrell said cannabis cultivation by criminal gangs causes serious harm in the community, and that every farm discovered represents a “big dent” in their profits and activity.
“These criminal groups are usually involved in other serious organised crime and they often use residential properties such as this, as well as business premises,” he added.
“Our communities can help us stop these groups, whose sole interest is to make money, from turning houses like this one into potential death traps for themselves and neighbouring properties.
“Overloaded plug sockets and water are a very dangerous combination, and nobody wants to live next door to these places. We would ask that if you believe someone is using a building for this purpose, please tell us so we can make them safe and find those responsible for setting them up.”