Police have uncovered a cannabis farm in a York suburb.
Acting on information from the public, officers raided a house in Sixth Avenue, Tang Hall yesterday (Thursday).
There, they discovered “a highly professional and sophisticated set up” that they believe had been used by an organised crime gang to produce several crops of cannabis.
The house’s electricity supply had been diverted underground to bypass the meter. Police said this created a high risk of fire, and serious danger to the people tampering with it.
A man was arrested at the scene and taken into custody. Police believe he was acting as part of an organised crime group based in the Western Balkan region of Europe
He has since been charged with cannabis production and is due to appear in court.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Simpson of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Cannabis production is extremely harmful to our communities and its production is often used to fund criminal gangs who are involved in serious organised crime such as human trafficking, sexual exploitation and the distribution of class A drugs such as cocaine and heroin.
“It won’t be tolerated and we urge members of our communities to report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood.
“We also urge landlords to be extra cautious when they rent out properties. The damage caused to properties by grows can be extensive and very expensive to repair.”
You can pass information to the police on 101 or online at the North Yorkshire Police website.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online here.
If you feel threatened or in danger, always call 999.