A CANNABIS farm has been discovered at a former business premises in Runcorn town centre.

Police on patrol found approximately 300 cannabis plants at the building on High Street at around 11am on Monday.

The building contained a large number of cannabis plants.

An 'overwhelming smell of cannabis' was reported throughout the town.

There were quantities of the class B drug on all four floors of the premises.

No arrests have been made at the current time and enquiries in relation to the discovery are ongoing.

Chief Inspector Sarah Heath, of Runcorn Local Policing Unit, said: "We are delighted to have removed a significant quantity of cannabis from the streets of Runcorn.

"The building contained a large number of cannabis plants and a sophisticated set up of venting systems and electricity use to maximise the amount of class B drugs being cultivated.

"The seizure is a great result as we are fully aware of the negative impact illegal drug use and supply can have on communities.

"We want people in Runcorn to feel safe in their community and we are committed to doing all we can to put a stop to this sort of activity."

Residents are urged to report any suspicions of illegal drug-related activity to the police.

Police say there are a number signs that could indicate that a property is being used as a cannabis farm, including:

  • A strong and sickly sweet smell
  • Equipment used to grow cannabis being taken into a property, such as lighting and ventilation equipment
  • Constantly covered or blocked-off windows – cannabis farms often have constantly closed curtains, black-out blinds or foil coverings
  • People coming and going at all hours or neighbours you never see
  • Strong and constant lighting day and night
  • High levels of heat and condensation – cannabis farms often give off heat and the windows stay misted up
  • A constant buzz of ventilation – listen out for a whirring sound as the offenders try to create an ideal climate for cannabis plants to grow
  • Lots of power cables – offenders often dig underground to lay cables that hook up to things like lamp posts so they do not have to pay for the enormous amounts of electricity they use.
  • Anyone with information in relation to the discovery of the cannabis farm in High Street is asked to call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 430496, give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.