Huge cannabis farm with nearly 3,000 plants found in St Helens

One of the largest ever cannabis farms on Merseyside was discovered in St Helens yesterday (Sunday 29 September).

Officers on routine patrol on Islands Brow at 9pm noticed a smell of cannabis.

Following enquiries, a cannabis farm was located in an industrial unit containing 2,885 plants, with an estimated annual yield in the region of £10 million was found.

Growing equipment was also located and Scottish Power have attended to make the area safe.

Two men, both aged 24, have been arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis and taken to a police station in Merseyside to be questioned.

Detective Inspector Tony O’Brien said: “This property contained a huge number of cannabis plants which we have now successfully prevented from being sold on our streets. We are now investigating the incident and would urge anyone who might have seen any suspicious activity around the unit recently and has any information to get in please get in touch.

“Cannabis growth can cause serious harm in our communities. Nobody wants to live next door to a property containing a cannabis farm and we would ask that if you believe someone is using a property for this purpose, please tell us so we can take positive action and find those responsible for setting them up.

"Our communities can help us stop these groups, who are only interested in making money, from turning houses and businesses into potential death traps.”

Ways to spot cannabis is being cultivated include:

Individually these activities may seem commonplace, however, together they may indicate something more serious.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.