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Exclusive: Drugs officers raid Thornton Heath cannabis factory
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| Inside the house |
Acting on a tip-off South Norwood's drug squad busted a cannabis factory in Thornton Heath and discovered more than 1,000 plants growing in four specially equipped rooms.
During a swift morning raid on Tuesday, police officers burst into the four bedroom semi and unearthed an industrial scale cannabis growing operation.
The plants, with a street value of more than £500,000, had been growing hidden from neighbours for almost two months and were nearing the stage when they could be cut, packaged and sold.
Every bedroom in the house was being used to grow the marijuana and each room was in a different stage of growth, the attic-space was also being used to dry the crops.
A South Norwood intelligence unit spokesman said: "This grow was on a massive scale and was more than likely part of an organised crime ring. The house was packed out with plants and was nearing the point when one of the rooms would have been harvested and used again."
| “The engineer told us it was one of the most dangerous factories that he had ever seen.” | | Police spokesman |
|
Electricity company engineers had to be called after it was discovered that those responsible for the factory had bypassed the house's meter and tapped into the street mains.
The spokesman added: "The engineer told us it was one of the most dangerous factories that he had ever seen."
Officers had to wait outside until the mains had been shut down.
An officer on the raid said: "Sometimes they booby trap the house by wiring up door knobs and handles. More often than not it isn't for us but for people who may want to rob the place."
Nicola Ward, 32, who lives in a neighbouring property, said: "I had no idea anything like this was going on, I actually thought the property was empty. I hadn't seen anyone going in or out for the past six months, so it's a total surprise."
No arrests were made but police are now searching for the culprits.
1:10pm Thursday 15th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: ANNE GILES, SELSDON on 10:16pm Thu 15 May 08
Excellent work!!!
Posted by: Croyboy on 3:59am Fri 16 May 08
Mm, I wonder what "Cor, blimey" cockney will prove to be responsible for [italic]this[/italic]?
Mm, I wonder what "Cor, blimey" cockney will prove to be responsible for
this?
Posted by: Bob Peel, Croydon on 9:56am Fri 16 May 08
[quote][bold]Croyboy[/bold] wrote:
Mm, I wonder what "Cor, blimey" cockney will prove to be responsible for [italic]this[/italic]? [/quote] I read somewhere there is more likely to be a Vietnamese connection than Caribbean.
Croyboy wrote:
Mm, I wonder what "Cor, blimey" cockney will prove to be responsible for this?
I read somewhere there is more likely to be a Vietnamese connection than Caribbean.
Posted by: jim, london on 10:59am Fri 16 May 08
This is what prohibition causes. Leagalise it and there will be safety and quality control
This is what prohibition causes. Leagalise it and there will be safety and quality control
Posted by: JohnDoe, Surrey on 1:16pm Fri 16 May 08
I agree Jim, There should be an amendment to laws for personal use. One should be able to grow in their own home for themselves. That would minimise the amount of dealers and cut down on the amount of people staging massive operations like this. If everyone had a littl ebit growing for themselves why would they need to go out and but it, fuelling crime and according to government sources, mental health issues and the dreaded, TERRORISM!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree Jim, There should be an amendment to laws for personal use. One should be able to grow in their own home for themselves. That would minimise the amount of dealers and cut down on the amount of people staging massive operations like this. If everyone had a littl ebit growing for themselves why would they need to go out and but it, fuelling crime and according to government sources, mental health issues and the dreaded, TERRORISM!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: ANNE GILES, SELSDON on 2:35pm Fri 16 May 08
One of my students is a psychiatric nurse, and she deals with the catastrophic effects of patients whose minds have been blown by smoking cannabis, which causes extreme paranoia.
One of my students is a psychiatric nurse, and she deals with the catastrophic effects of patients whose minds have been blown by smoking cannabis, which causes extreme paranoia.
Posted by: JohnDoe, Surrey on 2:54pm Fri 16 May 08
Anne, I think that you will find it is a very small amount of cannabis users that are effected by Psycosis and extreme paranoia. Just as with alcohol it is the minority who fight, drink drive, and are generally horrible people when drunk, oh sorry I meant to say majority. The negative effects of alcohol far outway the negative effects of cannabis. Your nurse friends should have told you that.
Anne, I think that you will find it is a very small amount of cannabis users that are effected by Psycosis and extreme paranoia. Just as with alcohol it is the minority who fight, drink drive, and are generally horrible people when drunk, oh sorry I meant to say majority. The negative effects of alcohol far outway the negative effects of cannabis. Your nurse friends should have told you that.
Posted by: JohnDoe, Surrey on 2:57pm Fri 16 May 08
Oh and by the way, if you look at the amount of people who's lives are ruined by drinking I think you'll find a massive difference between the amount effected by cannabis use. Then again alcohol is taxable and legal.
Oh and by the way, if you look at the amount of people who's lives are ruined by drinking I think you'll find a massive difference between the amount effected by cannabis use. Then again alcohol is taxable and legal.
Posted by: Bill Grundy on 3:08pm Fri 16 May 08
[quote][bold]JohnDoe[/bold] wrote:
Oh and by the way, if you look at the amount of people who's lives are ruined by drinking I think you'll find a massive difference between the amount effected by cannabis use. Then again alcohol is taxable and legal. [/quote] And there are a lot more people who drink than smioke 'erb.
JohnDoe wrote:
Oh and by the way, if you look at the amount of people who's lives are ruined by drinking I think you'll find a massive difference between the amount effected by cannabis use. Then again alcohol is taxable and legal.
And there are a lot more people who drink than smioke 'erb.
Posted by: JohnDoe, Surrey on 3:29pm Fri 16 May 08
Precisely my point Bill. Such a hoo-hah is never made about the problems that booze cause.
Precisely my point Bill. Such a hoo-hah is never made about the problems that booze cause.
Posted by: Croyboy on 6:57am Sat 17 May 08
Bob Peel wrote [quote]I read somewhere there is more likely to be a Vietnamese connection than Caribbean.[/quote]
[italic]Exactly,[/italic] Bob!
Bob Peel wrote
I read somewhere there is more likely to be a Vietnamese connection than Caribbean.
Exactly, Bob!
Posted by: barry, wisbech on 1:52pm Sat 17 May 08
The financial gains (in taxes)our goverment COULD get would more than cover the odd few cases of phychosis that the nhs would have to handle.
£240,000,000 a week is a conservative estimate, for 6 million smokers @ 1/8 a week.
thats without the huge amount wasted imprisoning and crimilising the general public.
Legalisation would improve the situation.
Less of our youth would gain access and there would be some sort of modicum of control.
as it is now the people who choose to smoke get poisoned.
by growers who do not know or do not care what they use or spray on the plants.
Or even add to after for extra wieght
like recent cases in Germany of lead poisoning, yes flaked lead added for extra weight (Lovely)
prohibition is the cause of the problem
Time to legalise
The financial gains (in taxes)our goverment COULD get would more than cover the odd few cases of phychosis that the nhs would have to handle.
£240,000,000 a week is a conservative estimate, for 6 million smokers @ 1/8 a week.
thats without the huge amount wasted imprisoning and crimilising the general public.
Legalisation would improve the situation.
Less of our youth would gain access and there would be some sort of modicum of control.
as it is now the people who choose to smoke get poisoned.
by growers who do not know or do not care what they use or spray on the plants.
Or even add to after for extra wieght
like recent cases in Germany of lead poisoning, yes flaked lead added for extra weight (Lovely)
prohibition is the cause of the problem
Time to legalise
Posted by: ANNE GILES, SELSDON on 3:34pm Sun 18 May 08
No way. People who talk about legalisation are usually the ones who take drugs. Why does anyone want to blow their minds with drugs or alcohol, for that matter? Why not just enjoy life through other means? Trips to the theatre, cinema, gigs, sporting events, music, dog walking, etc. etc. and a nice person to live with.
No way. People who talk about legalisation are usually the ones who take drugs. Why does anyone want to blow their minds with drugs or alcohol, for that matter? Why not just enjoy life through other means? Trips to the theatre, cinema, gigs, sporting events, music, dog walking, etc. etc. and a nice person to live with.
Posted by: C, SW London on 10:07am Mon 19 May 08
Anne, I dont take drugs, I dont really drink either and I 100% support legalistation of cannabis. If the government can tax and regulate alcohol then why couldnt it work with cannabis.
I recently went to Amsterdam on a birthday weekend.. they seem to have this "issue" all sorted!
Anne, I dont take drugs, I dont really drink either and I 100% support legalistation of cannabis. If the government can tax and regulate alcohol then why couldnt it work with cannabis.
I recently went to Amsterdam on a birthday weekend.. they seem to have this "issue" all sorted!
Posted by: ANNE GILES, SELSDON on 10:46am Mon 19 May 08
I have been to Amsterdam as well - never again! Prostitutes everywhere, dog **** on every street, and a load of ageing English hippies who have settled out there because they want to wander around doped out of their silly brains. I saw very few people who looked as though they were "all there". A friend of mine was robbed of all his cash by someone who wanted even more drugs. There were cafes everywhere with that silly little leaf symbol which means "come and get yourself stoned in here". I wouldn't be seen dead in that place.
I have been to Amsterdam as well - never again! Prostitutes everywhere, dog **** on every street, and a load of ageing English hippies who have settled out there because they want to wander around doped out of their silly brains. I saw very few people who looked as though they were "all there". A friend of mine was robbed of all his cash by someone who wanted even more drugs. There were cafes everywhere with that silly little leaf symbol which means "come and get yourself stoned in here". I wouldn't be seen dead in that place.
Posted by: C, SW London on 2:30pm Mon 19 May 08
I cant speak for when you went to Amsterdam, obviously, but when I went in February this year I found nothing like that. I was warned before I went by people who had been in previous years that the "friendly Amsterdam homeless people" would attempt to get some money out of you however while I was out there I didnt encounter any!
I can appreciate it might not be everyones cup of tea BUT they do have cannabis under control. Again, I dont smoke and had a fantastic time while I was there, no crime no yobs.. I guess that was the point I was trying to make.
I'm sorry you couldnt appreciate such a beautiful city, perhaps you should try to look for the good rather than the "I wouldnt be seen DEAD there" attitude, its a bit small minded.
I cant speak for when you went to Amsterdam, obviously, but when I went in February this year I found nothing like that. I was warned before I went by people who had been in previous years that the "friendly Amsterdam homeless people" would attempt to get some money out of you however while I was out there I didnt encounter any!
I can appreciate it might not be everyones cup of tea BUT they do have cannabis under control. Again, I dont smoke and had a fantastic time while I was there, no crime no yobs.. I guess that was the point I was trying to make.
I'm sorry you couldnt appreciate such a beautiful city, perhaps you should try to look for the good rather than the "I wouldnt be seen DEAD there" attitude, its a bit small minded.
Posted by: ANNE GILES, SELSDON on 10:03pm Mon 19 May 08
Small minded? Not at all. I liked the art, the restaurants, the boats, water, etc. If you want small minded people, you need to read all the negative comments about Croydon, when Croydon is a wonderful place to live and work!!!!!
Small minded? Not at all. I liked the art, the restaurants, the boats, water, etc. If you want small minded people, you need to read all the negative comments about Croydon, when Croydon is a wonderful place to live and work!!!!!
Posted by: Chloe, Worcester Park on 11:25am Tue 20 May 08
[quote][bold]ANNE GILES[/bold] wrote:
Small minded? Not at all. I liked the art, the restaurants, the boats, water, etc. If you want small minded people, you need to read all the negative comments about Croydon, when Croydon is a wonderful place to live and work!!!!![/quote] Now now Anne, you cant have it both ways! Wouldnt be seen dead there or liked the arts etc?
However, my father lives in South Croydon and I always enjoy my visit.
ANNE GILES wrote:
Small minded? Not at all. I liked the art, the restaurants, the boats, water, etc. If you want small minded people, you need to read all the negative comments about Croydon, when Croydon is a wonderful place to live and work!!!!!
Now now Anne, you cant have it both ways! Wouldnt be seen dead there or liked the arts etc?
However, my father lives in South Croydon and I always enjoy my visit.
Posted by: Paul, Upper Norwood on 11:36am Tue 20 May 08
[italic]"....you need to read all the negative comments about Croydon, when Croydon is a wonderful, place to live and work!!!!!"[/italic]
It's a total dump - it's even mocked on the radio because of what its become - small minded or a realist, Croydon is still a dump.
"....you need to read all the negative comments about Croydon, when Croydon is a wonderful, place to live and work!!!!!"
It's a total dump - it's even mocked on the radio because of what its become - small minded or a realist, Croydon is still a dump.
Posted by: JohnDoe, Surrey on 5:08pm Tue 20 May 08
Anne, I suggest that you smoke some erb and perhaps you may have an epiphany about Croydon. No matter how many times you dress it up as something else a turd is, and alwasy will be, a turd.
Anne, I suggest that you smoke some erb and perhaps you may have an epiphany about Croydon. No matter how many times you dress it up as something else a turd is, and alwasy will be, a turd.
Posted by: ANNE GILES, SELSDON on 9:03pm Tue 20 May 08
I think I know more about Croydon than either of you two - perhaps you don't visit the good bits - but just come here looking for the nasty ones. Every area has good and bad - and Croydon is mainly good. I am here every single day. I wouldn't smoke erb if I was paid to.
I think I know more about Croydon than either of you two - perhaps you don't visit the good bits - but just come here looking for the nasty ones. Every area has good and bad - and Croydon is mainly good. I am here every single day. I wouldn't smoke erb if I was paid to.
Posted by: j on 4:59pm Wed 21 May 08
[quote]One of my students is a psychiatric nurse, and she deals with the catastrophic effects of patients whose minds have been blown by smoking cannabis, which causes extreme paranoia.[/quote]
Suggest she (and you )read the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs(ACMD)report that the government
commissioned recently before making wildly
incorrect "reefer madness " type accusations.
Just because Gordon Brown ignored their advice it doesn't mean he is right.
Anyway ,how and why should it bother or effect your life in anyway if an otherwise law abiding adult wants to grow a few plants indoors and then smoke them ?.
Even The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo)have said they are going to ignore Brown and carry on with their confiscate and warn policy.
One of my students is a psychiatric nurse, and she deals with the catastrophic effects of patients whose minds have been blown by smoking cannabis, which causes extreme paranoia.
Suggest she (and you )read the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs(ACMD)report that the government
commissioned recently before making wildly
incorrect "reefer madness " type accusations.
Just because Gordon Brown ignored their advice it doesn't mean he is right.
Anyway ,how and why should it bother or effect your life in anyway if an otherwise law abiding adult wants to grow a few plants indoors and then smoke them ?.
Even The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo)have said they are going to ignore Brown and carry on with their confiscate and warn policy.
Posted by: ANNE GILES, SELSDON on 5:22pm Wed 21 May 08
Oh, really?? Growing thousands of plants? To sell to schoolchildren??? And you think that is perfectly OK??? It does affect my life, as it gives me a lot more work to do with the police.
Oh, really?? Growing thousands of plants? To sell to schoolchildren??? And you think that is perfectly OK??? It does affect my life, as it gives me a lot more work to do with the police.
Posted by: Mark, London on 12:11am Tue 27 May 08
[quote][bold]ANNE GILES[/bold] wrote:
Oh, really?? Growing thousands of plants? To sell to schoolchildren??? And you think that is perfectly OK??? It does affect my life, as it gives me a lot more work to do with the police.[/quote] He didnt say to grow a 100 plants, he meant that if adults were allowed to grow a few (5-10 just incase you get into the 100's!) plants then it would completely rid our society of the criminality associated with cannabis.Kids would not be able to access it if it were properly controlled and regulated by our government.Keep supporting our prohibitionist policy and you will be greeted by nothing but failure.Maybe if one of your kids gets sold cannabis at the age of 8 then maybe you will want cannabis sold with age limits in controlled environments, oh no wait if that happened we would be looking at another Debra Bell!
ANNE GILES wrote:
Oh, really?? Growing thousands of plants? To sell to schoolchildren??? And you think that is perfectly OK??? It does affect my life, as it gives me a lot more work to do with the police.
He didnt say to grow a 100 plants, he meant that if adults were allowed to grow a few (5-10 just incase you get into the 100's!) plants then it would completely rid our society of the criminality associated with cannabis.Kids would not be able to access it if it were properly controlled and regulated by our government.Keep supporting our prohibitionist policy and you will be greeted by nothing but failure.Maybe if one of your kids gets sold cannabis at the age of 8 then maybe you will want cannabis sold with age limits in controlled environments, oh no wait if that happened we would be looking at another Debra Bell!
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