The Rise of Cannabis Farms in Former Commercial Premises
The recent discovery of a cannabis farm inside an old Marks and Spencer store, along with similar raids in various locations, highlights a growing trend. Criminals are taking advantage of the closure of shops on high streets across the country, caused by the Coronavirus pandemic and cost of living crisis, to set up hidden cannabis farms. This increase in available and unoccupied premises provides them with the perfect cover.
Ian Broughton, a drug crime consultant and former Metropolitan Police officer, explained that disused premises provide criminals with the ideal environment for cannabis cultivation. With easy access to electricity and water supply, these spaces are “ticking all the boxes” for a cannabis farm. Broughton also emphasized the importance of regular checks on unoccupied properties to prevent their infiltration by criminals.
The recent raid in Buxton, Derbyshire, discovered approximately 975 cannabis plants inside the former Marks and Spencer store. The setup included lights and an irrigation system to support the growth of the plants. A 34-year-old man, believed to be an Albanian national, was arrested on suspicion of cannabis cultivation and immigration offences.
Broughton highlighted that commercial premises with larger rooms are particularly attractive to criminals as they allow for larger crops. Additionally, the out-of-the-way locations of these premises make them less likely to be detected. He suggested that making electricity access difficult and isolating the supply could deter criminals, as cannabis cultivation requires a significant amount of electricity.
This problem is not limited to England, as cannabis farms have also been discovered in former commercial premises in Scotland. The Huntly Arms Hotel in Aboyne and a former Poundstretcher store in Kirkaldy are just a few examples of such discoveries.
The rise of cannabis farms in former commercial premises highlights the need for increased security measures and regular checks on unoccupied properties. By addressing these vulnerabilities, law enforcement agencies can combat the illegal cultivation of cannabis and protect communities.
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