Wise up to weed – National Tackling Drugs Week
Tuesday 09 June 2009, 1:35pm
Thames Valley Police is urging the public to ‘wise up to weed’ during National Tackling Drugs Week (8-12 June).
Officers are raising awareness among the public about the reclassification of cannabis, while offering tips on how to identify cannabis farms in your neighbourhoods.
On Wednesday 10 June, local officers will be handing out information cards which highlight the more severe penalties for people caught in possession of cannabis, and for people involved in the production and supply of the drug.
Dr. Shona Morrison, Force drugs coordinator, said: “This ‘skunk’ cannabis is often grown indoors in so-called cannabis ‘factories’ or ‘farms’.
“Landlords and neighbours can assist police by helping to identify these premises – make yourself aware of the visible signs of cannabis factories and report your concerns about any property to the police.”
Cannabis
- Cannabis is a Class B drug. The Government reclassified cannabis from Class C to Class B in January 2009.
- ‘Skunk’, a much stronger version of cannabis, now accounts for more than 80 per cent of cannabis available on UK streets.
- View current penalties related to cannabis – Home Office (opens new window).
Cannabis ‘farms’ (or cannabis ‘factories’)
How to spot the signs of a suspected cannabis ‘farm’:
- Tampered electrical wiring.
- Powerful lights on all day and night.
- Constantly covered windows.
- Large ducting tubes sticking out of windows.
- Discarded bin bags full of vegetable materials.
- Basements filled with plants, lights or electrics.
- Strong heat from neighbouring residence.
Crimestoppers is asking the public to pass on any information they may have about suspected cannabis farms by calling 0800 555 111. You can also report online at the Crimestoppers website (opens new window). You can report anonymously via both routes - you won’t be asked your name, just what you know.
Dr. Morrison added: “Around 50 per cent of the information passed to Crimestoppers every year is about drugs offences, so the public are clearly concerned about having drugs in their communities.
“This week, we want to get the public behind Tackling Drugs Week and help us put a severe dent in the dangerous and organised criminal activity that is behind cannabis cultivation.”
If you have any information about drug dealing or drug-related crime, you can also call 0845 8 505 505, the 24-hour Thames Valley Police non-emergency number. In an emergency, always call 999.
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