Two factories discovered on the same day

Earlier this month police were called to an address in Perivale where the landlord said they had discovered a cannabis factory at the address. Prior to calling police the victim had discovered the locks at the venue had been changed. A relative gained access to the premises through an open window and discovered the cannabis factory.

The house was fitted out with a sophisticated ventilation system, which would lead the smell from the plants out of the house through the loft. The electricity supply had been tampered with to get a free supply.

The remnants of approximately 180 cannabis plants, several sacks of compost, several bottles of plant food, growth enhancer and bloom stimulator, light bulbs, a water pump and a hose with a long reach watering attachment and numerous pairs of latex gloves were discovered throughout the house.

The police were informed by neighbours that the occupants of the house had pulled up but made off when they saw them at the property. They traced the vehicle a short time afterwards and arrested a 27 year old, unemployed oriental male from Acton on suspicion of with the production of a controlled drug. He has now been bailed until 27 th September 2006 pending further enquiries.

Later the same day police received a call from a rental agency in charge of No 47 Carbery Avenue, Acton stating that they had discovered a cannabis factory at the address. The agency attended the address to carry routine maintenance at the premise. Upon arrival they discovered the locks on the front door of the premises had been changed. The informant gained entry to the premises via the back door and discovered the cannabis factory. The informant immediately exited the address and contacted the police.

Upon arrival police discovered 150 cannabis plants approximately 1 ½ feet tall, a quantity of prepared pots for further planting, 3 rooms in the premises were fitted with heating equipment, UV lighting, transformers and timers. The electricity supply had also been tampered with.

Community and Partnership Superintendent Ian Jenkins, Ealing Borough Police said, �Ealing Borough Police have discovered and closed 11 well-organised cannabis factories in the last 8 months. All of these factories have been established in similar rented accommodation of 2 or 3 bedroom semi or terrace houses usually with the windows blocked out or curtains always closed. We would ask everyone on the borough to be vigilant for such premises where they notice no one living in newly rented houses. Drugs use and supply is damaging to our community."

He added that if you wish to provide information to the police you can now do so by contacting your Safer Neighbourhoods Team. Contact details are given above.

August 17, 2006