‘Weed out’ those criminals supplying cannabis in Scotland

I saw in the news yesterday how a staggering £3 million worth of cannabis was seized by police in Scotland. It makes Granny Robyn very pleased to see such a tremendous victory in the fight against crime! Especially as the four men found to be supplying the huge stock of cannabis are now where they belong – behind bars!

But it raises the question; where does the cannabis come from in the first place?

Well, in recent years the Scottish Police Service has uncovered a growing number of cultivations in both rural and urban areas of Scotland where cannabis is being grown on a commercial scale.

Luckily, Scotland Crimestoppers have responded to the problem by launching the national ‘Weed Them Out’ campaign. The campaign highlights the tell-tale signs to look out for to catch those people growing cannabis. It’s very important that we all keep a watchful eye out for cannabis cultivations as they are often found in residential areas.

Some of the signs to look out for are:

• The windows of the property are permanently covered from the inside, often with foil or bin bags. There may be a build up of condensation on the glass.


• Pungent smells may emanate from the premises, or excessive use of air fresheners or moth balls to disguise the aroma.
  
• Noise coming from equipment on the premises, e.g. fans or heaters.


• There may be vents coming out of the roof or rear windows.


• The cannabis or by-products, such as used fertiliser, may be removed in black bin bags, laundry bags or suitcases.


• Tenants do not live on the premises and only make short visits, daily or weekly to maintain them.


• Powerful lights on all day or night.


• Compost bags or gardening equipment may be left outside the rear of the premises.


• Visits to the premises can occur at unusual times of the day or night.

If you would like to give information anonymously about a possible cannabis cultivation or any other crime you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or fill out our untraceable online Giving Information Form.