Police swoop to seize £26,000 worth of cannabis being grown at property in Burnley

Police have seized £26,000 worth of cannabis being cultivated at a property in Burnley this afternoon.
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The Burnley Taskforce and neighbourhood policing team swooped on the property in the Stoneyholme area.

And officers have hit back at critics who may see cultivating cannabis as a 'harmless' drug.

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A police spokesman said: "The production and maintenance of the growth is often managed by extremely vulnerable people, escaping violence or looking for a better life.

The cannabis find police made at the house in Stoneyholme in Burnley todayThe cannabis find police made at the house in Stoneyholme in Burnley today
The cannabis find police made at the house in Stoneyholme in Burnley today

"They are trafficked into the UK by smugglers.

"Many growths are also managed by other vulnerable adults, such as the drug dependent, who are recruited to maintain plants in exchange for cash or drugs that, sadly, makes them more dependent on these criminals.

"Young people and children escaping violence or after a sense of belonging to a group are often caught up in using, and dealing cannabis, which can escalate to other crime, such as ASB, vehicle crime, and violence.

"These children are encouraged to act as 'runners' for local organised crime groups.

"These children need to be safeguarded by us.

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"So, every time we take down a cannabis cultivation, we also start to disassemble a means to exploit vulnerable children and adults.

"We are committed to taking drugs off the streets of Burnley and we are also committed to keeping you safe and feeling safe.

"We will continue to target anyone involved in the cultivation, possession or supply of cannabis and other drugs."

Reports of drugs activity can be reported to the police via 101, anonymously through the independent charity Crimstoppers: 0800 555 11 or e-mail the team direct: [email protected]