Police have seized cannabis plants worth an estimated £1.2 million from a disused industrial unit in Glasgow. The discovery was made on Tuesday morning after officers executed a search warrant at the premises on Fullarton Road in the city’s east end.
Operation to dismantle the farm
According to Police Scotland, the cannabis farm was one of the largest ever found in the country. It contained around 2,000 plants and sophisticated equipment for growing and harvesting the illegal drug. The operation to dismantle the farm and remove the plants is expected to take several days.
A police spokesperson said: “This was a significant recovery and shows our determination to rid our communities of drugs. Cannabis cultivation on this scale can often be linked to serious and organised crime and we will continue to target those involved in this illicit trade.”
Investigation into the source
No arrests have been made so far in connection with the cannabis farm, but police said enquiries are ongoing to establish the source and destination of the drugs. They also appealed to the public for any information that could assist their investigation.
The spokesperson added: “We would urge anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity around the premises on Fullarton Road, or who has any information that could help us with our enquiries, to contact us as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0668 of November 28, 2023, or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Impact of cannabis cultivation
Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in the UK, and its cultivation poses a number of risks and harms to individuals and communities. Some of the negative impacts of cannabis cultivation include:
- Fire hazards and electrical faults caused by the use of high-powered lights and fans
- Damage to properties and the environment due to the extraction of water and electricity
- Exposure to toxic chemicals and moulds that can affect the health of the growers and the neighbours
- Exploitation and trafficking of vulnerable people who are forced to work in the farms
- Funding of criminal networks and violence that are involved in the supply and distribution of the drugs
Legal status of cannabis
Cannabis is classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which means that it is illegal to possess, supply, produce, or import it. The penalties for cannabis offences vary depending on the quantity and the role of the offender, but they can range from a warning or a fine to a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
However, some countries and regions have decriminalised or legalised the use of cannabis for medical or recreational purposes, such as Canada, Uruguay, and some states in the US. In the UK, there have been calls from some politicians, activists, and campaigners to reform the cannabis laws and allow its regulated use for certain conditions or personal use.
