[Sativa]

A cannabis factory was uncovered by an estate agent and prospective house buyer when they went to view a property.

They found about 150 mature plants in a terraced house in Hawk Street, Burnley - just yards from the town centre and Burnley College.

The duo alerted police following the discovery about 3.30pm on Monday.

Officers raided the property three hours later and found the drugs which had a street value of between £7,000 and £10,000.

As well as cannabis, officers also found a sophisticated lighting rig.

Police said they believed someone had broken in to the property and set up the factory as well as re-wiring the electricity to power the growing equipment.

The house had been unoccupied and up for sale.

Sergeant Vicky Crorken of Burnley police said it was an unusual way for a cannabis factory to be uncovered.

But she said: "By seizing the cannabis and equipment we are delaying a big blow to drug dealing in Burnley.

"The police will not tolerate anybody growing or dealing drugs and we will take action against anybody we suspect of being involved in the production of any illegal drug.

"We would also ask people to be vigilant and if they see or smell anything to contact the police.

"We have found cannabis factories in the past because the cannabis can give off a very pungent smell.

"Another indicator can be a lot of heat coming from an adjoining property because the lighting systems used to grow cannabis give off a lot of heat."

Specialist officers spent much of the day at the scene, removing items from the site.

No-one has been arrested in connection with the find.




News Hawk- User http://www.420magazine.com/
Source: This Is Lancashire
Author: Nick Evans
Contact: nevans@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk
Copyright: Newsquest Media Group
Website: House Buyers Find Cannabis Farm (from This Is Lancashire)