Cannabis Farm Found In Chiswick

Police find 500 plants in house in Balfern Grove

Police have uncovered a cannabis farm in a swoop on a house in Balfern Grove, off Chiswick Lane.

A raid was carried out last week after suspicious activity was noticed by a local resident who dialled 999. It is believed the resident spotted a man going in through scaffolding and became alarmed.

Locals were said to be shocked at the discovery of the illegal drug being grown under their noses. There were about 500 cannabis plants found in the property. Police said no arrests have yet been made.

The Met Police say there has been a 20% increase in the reporting of commercial cannabis cultivation by members of the public.

“Commercial cannabis cultivation is a problem which affects all areas of our country and it is important that we work with communities to make sure that everyone knows what to look out for – from screened-off windows and unusual amounts of heat emanating from a property to signs of bypassing electricity meters.

In the UK, cannabis is a Class B drug, and police can issue warnings or on-the-spot fines for possession of a small amount, while courts can impose sentences of up to five years for possession of larger amounts and up to 14 years for those who supply or produce it.

Concerned by the huge increase in the discovery of cannabis cultivation in quiet suburban streets, the Rental Landlords Agency (RLA) has offered a checklist of suspicious signs for landlords or neighbours to watch out for, including : Unusual activity of people coming and going delivering fertiliser and equipment, lights being permanently left on or windows covered from the inside, or strong, pungent smells coming from the property.

November 24, 2016