Police carried out raids and found a cannabis farm spread out over six different rooms
Smithdown Road.(Pic Andrew Teebay).
Suspects have been named after a huge cannabis farm was discovered by police. Officers carried out a drugs warrant at the address, on Smithdown Road, and discovered 351 plants growing across six different rooms on Wednesday, January 8.
Two men were arrested at the scene and have now been charged. Lorenc Bashota, 24, and Aleks Xhelo, 35, both of no fixed abode, have been charged with producing a controlled Class B drug (cannabis) and possession with intent to supply a controlled Class A drug (MDMA).
They appeared at Wirral Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, January 9 and have been remanded to appear at Liverpool Crown Court. Inspector Leigh Price said: “We know how dangerous cannabis farms are to our communities and it was only last month that residents had to be evacuated from their homes in Huyton after a large fire was caused by two cannabis farms found in a flat.
“The people who grow these cannabis farms have to extract electricity, which is extremely dangerous, and clearly they have a total disregard for the safety of residents living close by. Nobody wants to live close to a potential death-traps such as this, and it is often thanks to people living in the areas affected who tell us about their suspicions, and the proactivity of our officers, that we are able to take action.
“If you spot any signs that cannabis is being grown near where you live and work please let us know so that we can continue to take action. Any information helps residents and the work we do, so make us aware and we will investigate.” Some of the signs that cannabis is being grown are:
- Strange smells and sounds
- Frequent and varied visitors to a property, often at unusual times
- Gardening equipment being taken into a property, such as plant pots, fertiliser, fans and industrial lighting
- Windows are sealed and covered or the curtains are permanently closed
- Heat from an adjoining property
- Birds gathering on a roof in cold weather
Merseyside Police said: “Individually these activities may seem commonplace, however, together may indicate something more suspicious.” Anyone with information on suspected drug production or criminal activity in their community can contact @MerPolCC, call 101 or come forward anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.