Suspected cannabis factories blitzed in police drugs operation

The blitz also saw an estimated £730,000 of what is thought to be cannabis seized and nine people arrested.

Inspector Colin Skeath, who is in charge of Halifax Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, which led the operation, praised his officers.

Inspector Skeath said: “The team has worked tirelessly gathering intelligence and working with the local community to put the operation together.

“They worked closely with Special Constables and regular officers to develop intelligence on the raids. They have done a fantastic job.

“Calderdale is a safe place to live and work but when crime is committed we will deal with it.”

Inspector Skeath added: “The team’s hard work would not have been possible without the local community coming forward and telling us what is happening.”

Officers have raided and dismantled a total of nine suspected cannabis factories in the Halifax and Sowerby Bridge areas since November.

Police arrested nine men on suspicion of drug trafficking offences. All have since been released on bail.

Officers seized an estimated £33,000 worth of growing equipment and plant food.

Most has been already destroyed but the food and pots will be recycled for local organisations including schools and allotment societies.

Inspector Skeath said people should feel safe in the knowledge that police will act if they are told about criminal activity.

He said: “Local communities should feel safe in the knowledge that if we know about something we will act.

“Sometimes people might not see an immediate response but that does not mean we are not doing anything about it.

“There are different ways of tackling an issue - whether that be high visibility patrols and working with our partners or behind-the-scenes work to gather intelligence,” Inspector Skeath added.

West Yorkshire Police is urging anyone who suspects that somewhere is being used as a drugs factory to contact them on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Earlier this week the US state of Colorado became the first to allow stores to sell cannabis - making history.

Long queues were seen as people braved snow to buy the drug at a number of outlets across the state on January 1, dubbed ‘Green Wednesday’.

[email protected]