February 24, 2010
Man Arrested After Dunstable Cannabis Factory Discovered
A man has been arrested in Dunstable by Bedfordshire Police after a cannabis factory was discovered in Houghton Road yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, February 23).
Officers from the Central Bedfordshire Tactical Tasking Team with the assistance of the Dunstable Safer Neighbourhood Team discovered around 300 cannabis plants, after receiving concerns from the landlord.
A full hydroponics lighting systems had been fitted with the electricity supply to the property being tampered with rendering it a danger. A qualified electrician had to be called to make the property safe.
A man in his thirties was arrested at the scene on suspicion of cultivating Cannabis. He has been released on police bail pending further investigations.
Detective Constable Marc Holloway, of the Dunstable Crime Investigation Department, said: “This sends out a warning to landlords to always check prospective tenants references and to be very suspicious if you are offered six months rent up front in cash. Organised gangs will cause thousands of pounds of damage to properties.
“Bedfordshire Police is committed to the fight against drugs and those involved in producing, selling or using them can expect to find us knocking at their door.”
“We continue to urge the public to support the police in the fight against illegal substances and would ask them to contact officers with any suspicions they may have.”
Landlords can follow a few simple tips such as visiting the property regularly, or ensure your letting agent is doing so and ask the neighbours to report anything suspicious to you or the letting agent.
Clues a property may be used for the cultivation of cannabis include permanently drawn curtains or blinds, strong smells and different people visiting.
A 16 page booklet with information is available free of charge by contacting the Drug Intelligence Office on 01582 394126, or you can download it using the following link:
http://www.bedfordshire.police.uk/crimeinfo/cannabis/booklet.pdf
Anyone with information about drugs can speak to their local Safer Neighbourhood Team, contact police, in confidence, on 01234 841212, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or text information to 07786 200011.
