More cannabis farms busted by police in Bradford

Officers forced their way into one property, while the alarm was raised about another following a fire at a house on Bradford’s biggest estate.

Those two finds came on top of a day of action crackdown which led to the discovery of nearly 200 plants.

One Bradford councillor has warned of the devastating impact of the production and selling of cannabis – and questioned if the country's national drug policy is effective.

In one of the discoveries, eagle-eyed members of the public led police to a haul.

The Bradford West Neighbourhood Policing Team said officers swooped on Firth Road, Manningham, after receiving community intelligence.

The cannabis farm discovered in Manningham

They forced entry to the property and found a large cannabis farm inside.

The discovery led to the arrest of two people, who were later charged.

A spokesperson said: “Officers forced entry to the property and found a substantial cannabis grow inside.

“Two Albanian nationals were located in the property and were arrested.

“Both individuals have been subsequently charged with the offence of production of cannabis and have been remanded in custody.”

Then in the early hours of Monday morning, firefighters and police were called to Broadstone Way, where a cannabis farm was discovered following a fire.  

One of the cannabis farms was discovered on Broadstone Way in Holme Wood

A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said it had burned from the ground floor up to the roof void, causing "quite a lot of damage" to the property. 

No one was in the property at the time.

Firefighters were at the scene for around two hours and left the incident in the hands of police at around 4am. 

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "A crime of producing a class B drug at a house on Broadstone Way has been recorded.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

'The devastating impact cannot be underestimated'

Councillor Matt Edwards (Green, Tong), whose ward includes Holme Wood, said: "The production and selling of cannabis has a devastating impact that cannot be underestimated.

"Vast cannabis farms like this one are found across the city and they are a real danger to local residents - not only do they attract anti-social behaviour but they are significant fire risks with botched wiring and all the high-power heat lights and venting systems used to cultivate the plants, creating a severe fire hazard.

"We know that cannabis farms of this scale involve organised crime groups take advantage of people, including children, to run drugs for them.

"The policing team in Bradford South in particular do an excellent job finding these industrial scale farms.

"But I wonder if the increasing number of these farms being uncovered, is reflective of a national drug policy that isn't really working."

Elsewhere in Bradford South, an operation in Little Horton on May 11 saw more than 190 cannabis plants seized from a factory.

Police made the discovery following a day of action, which was held in conjunction with Bradford Council. 

A probe was launched in a Farnley, just over the border into Leeds, when officers descended on a property as part of an operation last Friday.

They seized 20 cannabis plants and hydroponic equipment.

West Yorkshire Police has issued an appeal for people to come forward with any information about cannabis farms.

Organised crime; violence; anti-social behaviour; human trafficking; young people being recruited into criminality and major fire hazards are just some of the problems associated with them, West Yorkshire Police said.

“Protect your property, protect your community, report your concerns,” said a force spokesperson.

“Cannabis farms can crop up in any residential area, not just in homes but in the back of shops, warehouses and derelict buildings. 

“It is vital you inform us of any information that will help us to identify them.”

Things to look out for include strong odours; covered up windows; excessive security measures; lots of condensation and lots of visitors; residents only visiting the address a couple of times a week; plant growing equipment, as well as lots of cables and wiring.

Landlords are also advised to look out for excessive electricity bills, while homes with bright lights day and night, a lack of a snow-covered roof on snowy days; the buzz of ventilation and vulnerable adults are also signs to be wary of.

Visit www.westyorkshiepolice.uk/report-it or report via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.