Cannabis Farm Warning To Landlords

In Alsager 360 plants which would have eventually produced drugs with a street value around £70,000 were seized and destroyed.

Two Vietnamese men were arrested and charged with cultivating cannabis.

Inspector Matt Welsted, in charge of Congleton Neighbourhood Policing Unit said: “This is another case where a property has been rented by people working for a gang of international drug dealers who have turned it into a production plant.

“This was a good quality house in a small quiet town, which proves these criminals do not always target remote farms, town centre commercial premises or warehouses on retail and industrial estates.

“As usual, they have caused a huge amount of damage. They drill through floors and ceilings, knock holes in walls to fit extractor fans and wreck the electrical wiring system. "They line walls with foil and install heaters and irrigation systems which make the property damp and hot.

"Because they by-pass electricity meters and overload sockets there is a very high risk of fire damage, too.

"In addition to all that, soil, compost and rotting plants are usually dumped around the rooms.

“We would warn all landlords to be very careful about who is renting their property.

"You may find they are reluctant to talk about their own background and inquire how often you are likely to visit.

“When they have moved in, keep an eye on them.

"Warning signs may include windows being covered over or curtains permanently drawn, and door locks being changed.

"There may be very little movement to and from the property and they may be reluctant to let you in.

"Any of this should make you suspicious.

"Remember, if you get it wrong it could cost you a great deal of money and distress.

“These gangs, usually based in the Far East, are part of organized crime.

"They make millions from cannabis growing and all they care about is profit.

"They certainly do not worry about the effect on the property owner.”