Underground cannabis factory unearthed

POLICE have discovered an underground cannabis factory at Warrington.
About 320 plants, almost fully grown, were found at the site on a patch of waste land at the rear of an empty industrial unit at Greys Court, Kingsland Grange, Woolston.
Drug squad officers unearthed the factory on Tuesday March 1 following a call from a member of the public.
No-one has so far been arrested in connection with the find but enquiries are ongoing.
Police said a 11ft deep hole had been dug and a structure built inside, housing the cannabis plants and equipment used to grow them. The hole had then been covered over.
A hatch had been constructed in a mound of earth above the ground, which allowed access into the underground site. A tunnel then linked the hatch to the cannabis factory.
DC Jamie Thompson, of the Northern Area Dedicated Drugs Unit, said: “This has been a significant find and fortunately, we have been able to put a stop to it.
“This was a sophisticated medium-scale commercial set up that we believe could have yielded a significant crop. The plants were of a good quality and were about 4-5 weeks away from maturity.”
Officers have remained at the scene over the past few days while the plants were removed and the site has now been completely cleared.
Inspector Richard Spedding, of Warrington East Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “This is a great result as we believe that these drugs could have been destined for the streets of Warrington.
“This case highlights the fact that cannabis factories can be anywhere. We would urge local residents to be on their guard and to report any suspicious activity to police immediately – even the smallest amount of information can be useful.”
Anyone with any information about drug related activity in Warrington is urged to call Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000. Information can also be passed anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
Pictured: Top: Inside the underground cannabis factory. Right: entrance to the factory.