‘Farms grow more than just drugs’

‘Scratch and sniff’ cards designed to help members of the public recognise the smell of cannabis are to be handed out as part of a major crackdown on illegal drug farms.

By The Newsroom

Published 25th Mar 2013, 14:00 BST

SMELLY SOLUTION: The cards offer tips on how to spot a cannabis factory.

The cards, which contain a chemical which replicates the smell of the drug in its growing phase, are being handed out to help people identify illegal factories cultivating the class B drug in their neighbourhood.

West Yorkshire is ranked highest in the country for the number of cannabis farms found, according to a recent report by the Association of Chief Police Officers. Between 2010 and 2012 1,800 cannabis farms were discovered in the region.

Last week a man was arrested after a cannabis farm was found in a house in Earlsheaton. And Last month, a cannabis factory was discovered at Birstall sports bar, Jardy’s.

Police say there has been an increase in property crime, violence and firearm use linked to the farms. Chairman of Crimestoppers Lord Ashcroft said: “Cannabis farms grow more than just drugs.”

West Yorkshire Police